Cross-Cultural Communication

The aim of the course is to provide the students both with the theoretical basis of cross-cultural communication and to develop their practical skills in dealing with cross-cultural encounters in the global workplace.

It is an advantage, but not obligatory, that the students have taken a course in Professional English at Oslo Business School.

The course in Cross-Cultural Communication deals with some issues that are relevant for the course in Negotiations.

No prerequisites.

Knowledge

The student

• knows various definitions of culture
• has broad knowledge about various business cultures
• has general knowledge of the main patterns of cross-cultural business behaviour
• has knowledge of various aspects of cross-cultural communication, management and interaction
• has knowledge about verbal and non-verbal communication in various cultures

• knows the most influential theories of cross-cultural communication

Skills

The student

• can deal with intercultural challenges in professional situations in the business world
• can communicate well within a professional, intercultural context
• can work well in international teams
• can interact in cross-cultural business situations while taking into account differences of business customs and behavior
• can analyze, compare and contrast different business cultures
• is able to discuss and reflect on various aspects of cultural differences
• can present and discuss business issues in an international and intercultural context

Competence

The student

• can apply his/her knowledge of cross-cultural communication and business cultures in professional situations
• can function well in most professional intercultural situations
• has developed his/her cultural sensitivity

The pedagogical approach includes:

• Lectures, group work, discussions, case work
• Student presentations
• Independent study

Regular attendance and active participation in classroom activities are expected.

There are two obligatory assignments that must be approved by the instructor before the student is eligible to take the final exam:

• An oral presentation on an assigned topic, 2 or 3 students together (10-15 minutes per group)
• A written assignment: application of theory to a specific case (2-3 pages)

An individual 4-hour written exam will be held at the end of the spring semester.

A list of reference aids allowed will be published on our website.

Letter grading A-F.

The written exam will be assessed by an internal and an external examiner. A selection of at least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded to exam papers assessed by the external and internal examiner will be used to determine the level of all exam papers.