Layout
? 3-6 pages
? 12 fonts Calabri/Times New Roman, space 1 ½.
? Include your name and date on the paper, using header or footer
? References are required, also to pages. (Harvard, Oxford, APA)
? Include a list of references
In this final assignment, we ask you to write an essay where you develop your knowledge and insights on one of the topics below. The text has to be supported by references to the course books and to at least two (2) of the articles or book chapters presented during course. You may use 1-2 articles of your own choice to complete the task.
Start with a short introduction, develop the topic and end with a conclusion.
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1. Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner: The Seven Dimensions of Culture
Intercultural business consultants say that by studying the Seven Dimensions of Culture, there will be more respect and empathy for other cultures, their customs and habits and their rituals. This will make it easier to do business with each other and it will lead to better agreements that ensure continuity of cooperation.
Is the model The Seven Dimensions of Culture applicable in today’s modern economy and international organisations? If so, in what ways are these dimensions possible success factors? Are there arguments against the model?
Share knowledge and insights and don’t forget to support your ideas by using the literature and the articles from the course.
2. Global Leadership
Today, managers need to lead and motivate teams with very different cultural backgrounds and values. As such, effective leadership is demanding. Taking on a global role may involve kicking a few old habits that you have picked up along the way. What does it take to be an outstanding global leader? Which are the challenges when it comes to diversity issues, religion, linguistic and cultural differences, etc.?
Share your ideas and knowledge and don’t forget to support your ideas by using the literature and the articles from the course.
3. Intercultural competence (ICC)
With the development of the integration of the world and the language and culture, the cultivation of intercultural communicative competence has become the ultimate goal of the foreign language teaching. This paper begins by analyzing personal understandings of successful Intercultural Business Communication skills and importance of learning Intercultural Business Communication skills, followed by four stages in experiencing a new culture skills, and at last it brings forward four action plans to improve the skills
Intercultural competence can be described as a range of competences that allow effective functioning in a multi- or intercultural environment. It seems that intercultural competence is mostly important in the case of international team management or negotiations, but there are also other fields of international business where the intercultural knowledge can be crucial: team cooperation, leadership, sending employees abroad. Intercultural competence may also influence financial outcomes of companies’ operations.
Define the different aspects of Intercultural Competence and discuss how and if ICC can be a help in international business. Give one example of when ICC made a difference in a business context!
Share your knowledge and insights and don’t forget to support your ideas by using the literature and the articles from the course.
4. Language and culture
The relationship between language and culture is deeply rooted. Language is used to maintain and convey culture. As Sapir-Whorf argues, different thoughts are generated by the use of different forms of language. It is claimed that different languages will create different limitations, therefore people who share a culture but speak different languages, will have different worldviews.
Clarify how language mirrors cultural values and discuss why language competence can make a difference in an international business context. Include the power dimension. Also discuss the eventual benefits of being bilingual or plurilingual. Consider your own language autobiography and reflect on your language skills.
Share your knowledge and insights and don’t forget to support your ideas by using the literature and the articles from the course.
5. The expatriate assignment and cultural shock
Are you dreaming of an international experience, working abroad? If so, it means that you are expected to operate within a different cultural context and need to understand a new frame of references.
Which are the challenges for an expat and the accompanying family? Define ‘cultural shock’ and clarify how it can influence on both work and private life. How can the adjustment be alleviated?
Share your knowledge and insights and don’t forget to support your ideas by using the literature and the articles from the course.
Deadline: June 7, 23:59