Cross-Cultural Management

This course is designed for persons who expect to do business in an unfamiliar country or interact with people from other cultures. It recognizes the importance of becoming consciously aware of the fundamental cultural differences that determine everyday life as well as business practice. It is based on the literature of cultural anthropology and applies it to such practical matters as negotiation, the role of deadlines and a culture's sense of time, the structure of organizations, business ethics and corruption, stress management, and business etiquette. Specific countries as well as general principles are discussed. Student groups will investigate a culture of their choice and present their findings to the class. Their written reports will be collected into a Cultural Handbook that will be distributed to the class.