Syllabus

Communication in an Intercultural Business Environment

Code
GFÖ2FG
Points
7.5 Credits
Level
First Cycle
School
School of Culture and Society
Subject field
Business Administration and Management (FÖA)
Group of Subjects
Business Administration
Disciplinary Domain
Social Science, 100%
This course can be included in the following main field(s) of study
No main field of study1
Progression indicator within (each) main field of study
1G1N
Approved
Approved, 05 March 2020.
This syllabus is valid from 15 March 2020.
Download as pdf To course page

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Define and explain issues regarding cultural identity, cultural bias and cultural differences which can affect oral and written communication in intercultural business environments
  • Explain and apply verbal and non verbal language and cultural aspects of communication which can affect work with intercultural groups, customers and colleagues
  • Create intercultural presentations and texts taking into account audience, reader, structure and clarity
  • Analyse and critically evaluate barriers to effective intercultural oral (both face to face and online) and written communication, and develop strategies to deal with these barriers
  • Demonstrate fundamental skills in intercultural oral discussions and business style meetings by communicating clearly and effectively: i.e., be able to better analyse a communication situation and adapt their communication style and form as required by the situation
  • Demonstrate practical skills in presentation technique in the form of both formal and semi formal presentations which are made suitable for diverse audiences
  • Write clear, concise and correct business related texts taking into consideration intercultural aspects such as writing style, diverse readership, and formality

Course Content

This course is based on a variety of oral skills exercises regarding communication proficiency within an intercultural business environment, both face to face meetings and online.  Students develop their business vocabulary during the seminar preparation work, the business style meetings and the seminar discussions, and in their preparation for a final presentation, which is based on self awareness exercises completed during the course. 

Writing skills will be developed through background reading and a variety of exercises regarding the writing process, cultural considerations, formality, communication format, etc. The focus is on business writing throughout the course, which culminates in a final business style report on the student’s chosen case company , which is researched over a number of weeks via guidance topic areas.

Assessment

All assessment is conducted in English.
• Assessment 1 – active seminar participation - 3 credits
• Assessment 2 - self-awareness exercises and presentation – 2,5 credits
• Assessment 3 – report – 2 credits.

Forms of Study

Compulsory and interactive seminars and individual tutorials.

English is the language for all course work, material and instruction.

Grades

The Swedish grades U–VG.

To pass the course with distinction (VG), students must attain VG in Assessment 1, and at least one further VG grade in either Assessment 2 or Assessment 3.

Prerequisites

  • General entry requirements. No knowledge of Swedish is required

Other Information

The seminars are interactive with much of the work being completed in small groups so that students can develop practical skills in intercultural interaction and communication, which will result in their increased confidence when presenting or writing within an intercultural business environment.