MAN 2604 - Intercultural Relations in Business

College of Business

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 47
Effective Term Summer 2018 (545)

Course Description

This course examines intercultural communication from a business perspective. Students will study facets of communication differences in various cultures. Emphasis is on increasing understanding of cultural issues that affect communication effectiveness in international business, with particular attention to four major current and emerging trade partners: Mexico, Germany, Japan and Russia. (Note: Study Abroad opportunities may apply to this course (https://blog.spcollege.edu/international/study-abroad/)).

Course Topics

Topic 1
  Study Abroad Topic - Costa Rica

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the geographical, political, religious, and socioeconomic environment of selected countries by:
    1. identifying geographical boundaries, major land forms, and climate.
    2. describing the major political ideology and governmental structure of business partner nations.
    3. discussing current economic trends in employment and trade.
    4. identifying countries with major industrial and agricultural concentrations
    5. comparing international and U.S. attitudes and values.
    6. describing major religious influences.
  2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of business protocol in selected countries by:
    1. listing areas of common cultural differences that impact business dealings and social situations.
    2. describing ways each of the following can impede international business communication: language, culture, ethnocentrisms, and interpersonal behavior.
  3. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the business and cultural greetings and conversational phrases used in the language of selected countries by:
    1. identifying selected phrases and words commonly used in business and social settings.
    2. relating some of the basic rules and guidelines that should be used in handling both written and oral communication.
  4. The student will understand the importance of and preparation for an overseas or foreign work assignment by:
    1. explaining some of the protocol to follow in preparing for an overseas or foreign work assignment.
    2. assembling a briefing portfolio for a selected country.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

DBT 5/17/94 Effective Session 19941 9/12/96 SCNS # change from 2605 3 Year Review 9899 3 Year Review 2002 C&I Approval: 10/09/2007, BOT Approval: 11/20/2007, Effective Term: Spring 2008 (390). C&I Approval: 02/09/2017, BOT Approval: 03/21/2017, Effective Term: Fall 2017 (535).
C&I Approval: 02/09/2018, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Summer 2018 (545)

Related Programs

  1. Business Administration (BUS-AS) (670) (Active)
  2. Business Management (BUSADM-CT) (670) (Active)