cross culture course proposal at iiml
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Proposal for a course inCross Cultural Communication
Abhishek AnandKunal Ahuja Binesh KNihit JainVaibhav KukrejaVaibhav Sathe Parvathi Ganesh
Section C
Agenda
Global villageCommon cultural issuesNeed for managersWhy in IIM-L?SurveyCourse structure OutlinePedagogy
Global Village
Work force diversity to meet local needs
Physical distance not a hindrance
Expanding social spheres
Unified communities
Testimonial
“This year we also launched a comprehensive online cultural learning resource to help employees learn about different cultures and how to be more effective when working cross-culturally.”
Employees from 125 nationalitiesAspires to be the world's best international bankCombining global capability, deep local knowledge
Common cultural issues
Perception of Time
Perception of Space
Power Distance
Non-verbal communication
Time and SpaceMonochronic
Linear TimeNorth and West hemispheresWork done one at a time segmented into small units
PolychronicCyclical TimeSouth and East hemispheresMore fluid approach in scheduling time
Space Differences in comfortable distance between people
Power Distance
Identification of hierarchical structure vis-a-vis different geography or organizationPreference either to high power distance or low power distance e.g. Australia vs IndiaEmphasis on openness, challenging superior’s opinion or subdued acceptanceIdentifying association of seniority & age when it comes to authority e.g. Japan Vs USA
Non verbal communication
Low Context Culture - less emphasis on non verbal cuesHigh Context Culture - more emphasis on non verbal cuesThe importance of Body language & face-saving across culturesSome cultures value “face” more than their own well-beingOther cultures do not care about face all that much
Non verbal communication
Importance to Managers
To be effective internationally is crucial for commercial and personal successA hands-on learning experience on cross-cultural skillsFacilitating correct interpretation of a wide variety of situationsLaying the foundation for necessary behavioral adaptations in diverse teamsExtension to MDP and IPMX programs
Why at IIM-L
Active International Student Exchange program with 24 universities28 incoming students, 53 outgoing students this year5 international profiles at summersMore than 30% of alumni are working outside IndiaMore than 65% of alumni are working in MNCs in globally distributed teams
SurveyTargeted audience
Incoming Student Exchange StudentsOutgoing Student Exchange StudentsOther PGP students
QuestionsDo you feel there is a need of a course on Course Culture sensitivity ?How should be the pedagogy of the course ?When should we have the course ?Given an option, would you opt for the course ?Did you experience any difficulty at workplace while working in a distributed team ?
Survey Results
84%
4%12%
Need of Course
YesNoCan't Say
71231
Pedagogy
Case BasedLive ProjectsTheoreticalHands on Expe-rience
76%4%20%
Course Acceptabil-ity
YesNoCan't Say
20%
24%16%
40%
Course Schedule
Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 558%30%
12%
Workplace Cultural Dif-ficulties
YesNoCan't Say
Course content
Course StructureObjective:To help students develop appreciation for various cultures and skills for effective communication through hands-on experience
Credits: 0.5Schedule: Term VSessions: 15 x 1 Hrs
Text book:Gudykunst William B., Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication, SAGE Publications Inc, 2003
Course StructureLecturesCase discussionsGroup Assignments, role playsProfessional VisitsField visit
Evaluation criteria:No formal examinationsPresentationsClass participationFeedback
Course outline
Cross Cultural Communication TheoriesLanguage and Verbal Communication Across CulturesCultural Influences on the Expression and Perception of EmotionsIdentity and Intergroup CommunicationCommunication in Intercultural RelationshipsTechnology enabled communicationAdapting to an Unfamiliar Culture
Practical Approach
Intrinsic & Extrinsic Cross culture Awareness ProgramsField Trips
Cross Cultural art workshopsExpat gatherings
Tie up with NGOsVillage & Urban divideVisit in term break
Leverage Student ExchangeForeign perspective to cultural values
Delhi International Arts Festival
December every year, suitable for term VField trip for a weekend to DelhiParticipation from Exchange studentsDomestic and International business participationShare experiences
Communication Technology
Video Conferencing
Instant Messaging
Telephone/VOIP
SMS
Special module on technology enabled cross cultural communicationWriting stylesMiscommunication
Adapting to unfamiliar cultures
Overcome culture shock Emphasis on being open and respectful to other culturesSocial participation in different cultural environmentsAcquiring some aspects of other culture
Role plays and field visits can help develop broader outlook
Thank youMost foreign cultures do not expect you to learn their language but are extremely impressed by the traveller who has taken the time to learn and use local body language customs. This tells them that you respect their culture.
Japanese are unimpressed at the English custom of men wearing a handkerchief in their jacket top pocket. This is the equivalent of proudly dangling a roll of toilet paper from the pocket, ready for action.