Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Students are able to
-understand cultural similarities and differences
-work effectively with international partners
-analyze business and work life cultures including Finland using different cultural frameworks
-understand culture adaptation and adjustment.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Course: lectures, videos, literature, individual/pair/group tasks/assignments.
All course tasks/assignments/assignment related (online) examinations must be completed/passed to complete the course.

Timing and attendance

Period 1 in autumn 2025.
Attendance and active participation to lessons.

Learning material and recommended literature

Hofstede, Hofstede & Minkov (2010): Cultures and Organizations. Software of the Mind.
Lewis, R.D. 4th Ed. (2018): When Cultures Collide.
Other study material provided by the teacher on Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

No alternate completion methods offered.

Learning environment

The course is taught in the classroom at the Lappeenranta campus.
Students will also participate in learning through the tasks and material compiled in the course Moodle platform.

Student time use and work load

About 80 hours including student’s independent study. 

Contents

This course is designed to build your knowledge and competence in intercultural interactions. Building on your own knowledge and experience, we will discuss the following:
- concepts of culture (Understanding culture and cultures) and communication
- theoretical frameworks for understanding cultural differences and similarities
- communicating across cultures
- cultural adaptation
- business cultures

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No pre-requisites.
Attendance and active participation required in lessons.
All course tasks/assignments/assignment exam(s) must be completed/passed to complete the course.

Assessment criteria

Presentation in class 40%
Final exam in the Exam room 60%

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student did not meet the course requirements.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a basic but inconsistent
- understanding of the existence of cultural similarities and differences
- ability to apply some theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures.
- understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student has a thorough and consistent
. ability to understand, recognizes and accept culture similarities and differences.
- ability to apply a variety of suitable theoretical frameworks to analyze business, work-life cultures and interactions.
- understanding of the culture adaptation and adjustment process.