325-324 Cross Cultural Management

Entry to this subject is restricted to students who have completed at least 100 points of commerce subjects of which at least 25 points must be Department of Management level-2 subjects.

As a result of a process of globalisation at both societal and organisational level, it becomes more and more important to be aware of cultural differences and to be able manage culturally diverse organisations. In this subject you will learn about the challenges that managers of both domestic and international businesses face in managing across cultural boundaries. The main focus will be on national cultural differences, but we will also look at the interaction between national culture and organisational culture. The following topics will be covered in detail in this subject: cross-cultural communication, negotiation and conflict resolution, management of a multi-cultural workforce including expatriates, the impact of group heterogeneity/homogeneity on innovation and creativity, the role of mental models anmd schemata in intercultural interactions, leadership and motivation across cultures, the role of language in international business, and management of the human dimension of joint ventures, mergers and aquisitions and alliances.

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (50%) and assignment(s) totalling not more than 5000 words (50%).

To be advised.