Communication across cultures in business (5cr)

Evaluation scale

Approved/Failed

Content scheduling

There are 5 chapters in the course:
- Chapter "Power of cross-cultural communications" discusses the importance of cross-cultural communication for understanding, reducing conflicts, and building trust in the globalized world, enabling effective collaboration in diverse workplaces.
- Chapter "Developing cross-cultural intelligence" presents the ways of developing the cross-cultural intelligence for navigating cultural differences.
- Chapter "Mastering cross-cultural adaptation and fluency" shows that effective cross-cultural communication is not merely about language proficiency but also about understanding the context, values, and expectations that shape how people interact.
- Chapter "Organisational culture for business success" demonstrates the organisational culture as the backbone of successful business operations, effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability.
- Chapter "Cross-cultural tour to Finland" gives general information about Finland, immersive experiences in Finnish traditions, design, and nature.

Objective

You will expand your knowledge of different cultures.

You will be competent to navigate diverse negotiation tactics and decision-making processes.

You will minimize misunderstandings and workplace conflicts by recognizing nuances in verbal and non-verbal cues.

You will be able to implement communication strategies by setting clear time zone boundaries and expectations.

Content

Why is cultural sensitivity in business communication important?

How could you adapt to a new cultural business environment?

What are cross cultural misunderstandings and how to avoid them?

How to co-create a new communication language within a company?

Materials

The following literature is used in the course
- Alfons T., 2020 Riding the waves of culture: understanding diversity in global business
- Lori P., 2024 Managing across generations and cultures : a practical guide for business
- John R., et. al, 2024 Intercultural communication for everyday life
- Mada S., et. al, 2012 Professional Communication Across Languages and Cultures

Study materials are provided by the teacher via Learn.

Teaching methods

The course is carried out entirely by way of unscheduled online study. The course can be individually completed, and it does not entail group work or scheduled lessons.
Progress is made by completing assignments individually.
The teacher provides guidance via Learn.
The assessed assignments are completed individually. The assignments must be submitted by the given deadlines.
No personal feedback is provided.
The studies are carried out on the Learn platform. The Learn site becomes accessible on the start day of the course.

Employer connections

• The assignments are based on the needs of operators in the field.
• Assignments can be completed with reference to tasks given by one’s employer or in connection to developing a product.
• No RDI or work-related cooperation is included in this implementation.

Exam schedules

- A minimum score of 59/80 points achievement is required for an approved performance.
- The course is completed by way of assignments that are assessed according to specified criteria. There is no exam in the course.   
- The end date of the course is presented in the cinvitation message. By this date, the student must submit all assignments and meet all other conditions set for an approved course completion.
- A failed course can be resat, but a passing exam grade cannot be improved.

Student workload

• 1 ECTS credits equals 27 hours of work by the student.
• In a 5-credit course, the student maximum workload is approximately 135 hours by
independent study.