Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

The University of Economics & Law

Department of International Economic Relations

COURSE SYLLABUS

Cross Cultural Management

Class K15408C
Semester 2, Year 2017 – 2018

1. General information

Course Code:

Credits: 3

Periods for theory: 36 (in class)

Periods for practice: 09 (presentation)

Periods for self-study: 112 (at home)

2. Course Purposes/Aims

The objective of the course is to expose participants to:

2.1 Acknowledge about culture and culture’s sensitivity in international business environment.
2.2 Be able to carry a basic analysis of cultural differences.
2.3 Learn fundamental principles and 
acquire basic information on ways to build bridges
between people from diverse cultures working together in an organization.
2.4 Increase their “cultural intelligence” in cross-cultural communication and negotiation.
2.5 Increase their “cultural intelligence” in international human resource management.
2.6 Increase their “cultural intelligence” in leadership across cultures.
In addition to, this course is aim to skills objectives:
2.7 Demonstrate an ability to present and raise questions for group assignments.
2.8 Demonstrate an ability to write reports in making group reports.

3. Course Outlines

This module aims to develop the awareness, skills and knowledge required by managers seeking to
work abroad as international executives. The module provides a key grounding in the nature of

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management in the global context by increasing awareness and understanding of the soft skills in
international management, particularly those relating to cross-cultural management. The meaning of
culture is explored by drawing on a range of national cultural and institutional models and studies
and providing a broad understanding of the international context in which multinational corporations
operate. In addition, the focus will be on the influence of national culture on aspects of organization
structure and how manage cultural diversity in organizations. Furthermore, a range of areas such as
communication, negociation, some aspects of international human resource and leadership across
cultures will be put into consideration.

4. Course Learning Outcomes

Teaching
Course
No. Course Learning Outcomes Criteria Outcomes
Objectives
(I/T/U)
KNOWLEDGE OBJECTIVES
Acknowledge about culture and culture’s
LO1 sensitivity in international business 2.1 1.3.5 T3
environment.
LO1.1 Define the term “Culture” and 1.3.5 T3
2.1
determinants of Culture
LO1.2. Examine impacts of Culture & Culture 1.3.5 T3
2.1
change in management.
LO1.3 Examine the strategic dispositions that 1.3.5 T3
2.1
characterize resonses to different cultures.
LO1.4 Discuss objectives, challenges, 1.3.5 T3
2.1
responses in cross cultural management.
Be able to carry a basic analysis of cultural 1.3.5 T3
LO2 2.2
differences
LO2.1. Identify the major dimensions of 1.3.5 T3
2.2
culture relevant to work settings
LO2.2. Discuss cross-cultural differences and 1.3.5 T3
2.2
similarities in international business.
LO2.3. Review cultural differences in select 1.3.5 T3
countries and note some of the important 2.2
strategic guidelines for doing business in each.
Learn fundamental principles and 
acquire 1.3.5 T3
basic information on ways to build bridges
LO3 2.3
between people from diverse cultures working
together in an organization.
LO3.1. Define exactly what is meant by 1.3.5 T3
organizational culture, and discuss the 2.3
interaction of national and MNC cultures.
LO3.2. Identify the four most common 1.3.5 T3
categories of organizational cultures and 2.3
discuss the characteristics of each.
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 Teaching
Course
No. Course Learning Outcomes Criteria Outcomes
Objectives
(I/T/U)
LO3.3. Provide an overview of the nature and 1.3.5 T3
degree of multiculturalism and diversity in 2.3
today’s MNCs.
LO3.4. Discuss common guidelines and 1.3.5 T3
principles that are used in building
2.3
multicultural effectiveness at the team and the
organizational levels.
Increase their “cultural intelligence” in cross- 1.3.5 T3
LO4 2.4
cultural communication and negotiation.
LO4.1 Define the term communication, 1.3.5 T3
examine some barriers to effective 2.4
international communications.
LO4.2. Present the steps that can be taken to 1.3.5 T3
overcome international communication 2.4
problems.
LO4.3. Develop approaches to international 1.3.5 T3
negotiations that respond to differences in 2.4
culture.
Increase their “cultural intelligence” in 1.3.5 T3
LO5 2.5
international human resource management.
LO5.1. Explain the concept of motivation and 1.3.5 T3
2.5
consider some theories of motivation.
LO5.2 Understand the importance of job 1.3.5 T3
design, work centrality, and rewards in
2.5
motivating employees in an international
context.
Increase their “cultural intelligence” in 1.3.5 T3
LO6 2.6
leadership across cultures.
LO6.1. Describe styles of managerial 1.3.5 T3
leadership; Review leadership approaches
2.6
among different countries and examine recent
research regarding leadership across cultures.
LO6.2. Discuss the relationship of Culture 1.3.5 T3
clusters and leader behavior on effective 2.6
leadership practices.
SKILL OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate an ability to present and raise 3.2.6 U
LO7 2.7
questions for group assignments
Demonstrate an ability to write reports in 3.2.3 U
LO8 2.8
making group reports.

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5. Course Plan

Day (3 Teacher & learning

Content LO Assessment
periods) activities
Teacher:
- Introduce Course Syllabus
- Introduce Group
Assignment (GHW)

Student in class:
1 Course Introduction Divide into groups (5-6
students per group)

Student at home:
Read “Cultural
differences_Chapter 4_IB”
(page 23) to prepare for
Quiz 1
Teacher:
Chapter 1. Culture and Culture Introduce main contents and
management chapter objectives Quiz, MEX,
2 LO1.1
1.1. Define the term “Culture” FEX
1.2. Determinants of Culture Student in class: Quiz 1
Student at home:
Chapter 1. Culture and Culture
management (tt)
Teacher:
1.3 Examine the impacts of
Introduce main contents and
Culture & Culture change in
chapter objectives
management. LO1.2;
3 1.4 Examine the strategic LO1.3; MEX, FEX
Student in class:
dispositions that characterize LO1.4
Student at home: Read
resonses to different cultures.
given materials to prepare
1.5 Discuss objectives, challenges,
for Quiz 2
and responses in Cross-cultural
management.
Teacher:
Chapter 2. Cultural differences LO2.1; Introduce main contents and
in international business LO2.2; chapter objectives Quiz, MEX,
4
2.1 Identify the major dimensions LO.7; FEX
of culture relevant to work settings LO.8 Student in class: Quiz 2
Student at home:
Chapter 2. Cultural differences
in international business (cont) Teacher:
2.2 Discuss cross-cultural Introduce main contents and
LO2.1;
differences and similarities in chapter objectives
LO2.2; GHW,
5 international business. Introduce GHW
LO.7; MEX, FEX
2.3 Review cultural differences in
LO.8
select countries and note some of Student in class:
the important strategic guidelines Student at home:
for doing business in each

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 Chapter 3. Culture
in organization and diversity 3.1. Teacher:
LO3.1;
Define concept and characteristics Introduce main contents and
LO3.2;
of organizational culture. chapter objectives GHW,
6 LO3.3;
3.2. The interaction of national and MEX, FEX
LO.7;
MNC cultures Student in class:
LO.8
3.3 Most common categories of Student at home:
organizational cultures.
Teacher:
Introduce main contents and
Chapter 3. Culture
LO3.4; chapter objectives
in organization and diversity GHW,
7 LO.7;
(cont) MEX, FEX
LO.8 Student in class: Present
3.4 Cultural diversity in MNCs.
the culture of Vietnam
Student at home:
Multiple choices in the
8 Midterm
length of 35'
Chapter 4. Communication &
Teacher:
negociation across cultures
Introduce main contents and
4.1. The general about LO4.1;
chapter objectives
communication process LO4.2;
9 FEX
4.2. Communication upwards and LO.7;
Student in class: Present
downwards in international LO.8
the culture of Canada
context.
Student at home:
4.3. Communication barriers
Teacher:
Chapter 4. Communication & Introduce main contents and
negociation across cultures LO4.3; chapter objectives
10 (Cont) LO.7; GHW, FEX
4.4. Effective commnunications. LO.8 Student in class: Present
4.5. Negociation across cultures. the culture of Australia
Student at home:
Teacher:
Chapter 5. Motivation across Introduce main contents and
cultures LO5.1; chapter objectives
11 5.1. The nature of motivation LO.7; GHW, FEX
5.2. The theory of needs related to LO.8 Student in class: Present
cross cultural environment. the culture of Brazil
Student at home:
Teacher:
Chapter 5. Motivation across
Introduce main contents and
cultures (cont)
LO5.2; chapter objectives
5.3. Aplication of motivation
12 LO.7; GHW, FEX
theory in international HRM
LO.8 Student in class: Present
5.4. Motivation based on culture.
the culture of South Africa
Relate to Vietnam.
Student at home:
Chapter 6. Leadership across Teacher:
LO6.1;
cultures Introduce main contents and
13 LO.7; GHW, FEX
6.1. Define concept and styes of chapter objectives
LO.8
managerial leadership.

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 6.2. Compare leadership styles
among differences.
Chapter 6. Leadership across
cultures (cont)
6.3. Recent research regarding
14 leadership across cultures
6.4. The relationship of Culture
clusters and leader behavior on
effective leadership practices..
15 Consolidation
Student in class: Present
the culture of China
Student at home:
Teacher: Introduce main
contents and chapter
LO6.2; objectives
LO.7; GHW, FEX
LO.8 Student in class: Present
the culture of Finland
Student at home:
Teacher: Final review

Denote:
- GHW – Group Homework
- MEX – Midterm Exam
- FEX – Final Exam

6. Assessment Methods

No. Method Proportion Form Learning

Outcomes

1 Midterm 20% Test in class LO.1; LO.2;

LO.3
2 Quiz in class (2 quizes) 10% Test in class LO.1; LO.2;

Group Home work in cultures of 20% Group report, LO.1; LO.2;

different countries Presentation LO.3; LO.4;
LO.5; LO.6;
LO.7; LO.8
Discussion in Class (maximum 1
mark will be added in final exam)
3 Final exam (FEX) 50% Multiple choices & LO.1; LO.2;
LO.3; LO.4;
Essay
LO.5; LO.6
Total 100%

Some notes for Midterm Exam:

• Midterm Exam is related to a part of “Gung Ho” (1986) movie and contents of slides and
group presentations.
ü 30 films relating to business students should see: http://www.baomoi.com/30-bo-
phim-day-ve-kinh-doanh-ma-cac-sinh-vien-nen-xem/132/6815027.epi

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 ü Downloadable link is now available for Vietnamese subtitles:
https://drive.google.com/uc?id=0B46A-
vAm8RhZRWM2UnFVanE5cEk&export=download

7. Rubrics for Course’ Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs) Assessment

Topic
No. Course’ ELOs Assessment Grade Standard
Coverage

Acknowledge about culture and

Quiz 1
culture’s sensitivity in
LO.1 Chapter 1 Final Exam Test bank
international business
(FEX)
environment.

1. Quiz 2
2. Group 1. Test bank
2. Rubrics for Group
Be able to carry a basic analysis Homework
LO.2 Chapter 2 Homework GHW
of cultural differences (GHW) (Appendix 1)
3. Final Exam 3. Test bank
(FEX)
Learn fundamental principles
and 
acquire basic information
on ways to build bridges Final Exam
LO.3 Chapter 3 Test bank
between people from diverse (FEX)
cultures working together in an
organization
Increase their “cultural
LO.4 intelligence” in cross-cultural Chapter 4 Test bank
Final Exam
communication and negotiation.
(FEX)
Increase their “cultural
LO.5 intelligence” in international Chapter 5 Test bank
Final Exam
human resource management.
(FEX)
Increase their “cultural
Final Exam
LO.6 intelligence” in leadership Chapter 6 Test bank
(FEX)
across cultures.
Rubrics for
Demonstrate an ability to Presentation Group presentation &
present and raise questions for of Group Homework gameshow (Appendix
LO.7
group assignments Homework (GHW) 1.2 & Appendix 1.3)

Group Rubrics for group

Demonstrate an ability to write Write group
LO.8 Homework reports (Appendix
reports in making group reports. reports
(GHW) 1.1)

8. Textbook and additional learning materials

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8.1 Textbook

[1] Luthans, Fred & Jonathans, P. Doh (2012), International Management: Culture, Strategy
and Behavior (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill. (ISBN 978-0-07-811257-7)

8.2 Additional learning materials

[2] Charles, W. L. Hill (2013). International Business: Completing on the Global Marketplace
(9th ed.). McGraw Hill Educaiton. [Chapter 2 – Sự khác biệt trong hệ thống kinh tế chính trị
& Chapter 4 – The differences in culture]
[3] Haghirian, P. (2012). Successful Cross-Cultural Management: A Guide for International
Managers. Businss Expert Press, LLC.
[4] Mead, R., & Andrews, T. (2009). International Management: Culture and Beyond (4th ed.).
Chichester UK: John Wiley & Sons.
[5] Velo, V. (2012). Cross-Cultural Management. Business Expert Press, LLC
[6] Robert, B. & Greory T. Huang (2008). Guanxi, Nghệ thuật tạo dựng quan hệ kinh doanh.
NXB Lao động – Xã hội.
[7] Fons Trompenaars & Charles Hampden-Turner (2009). Chinh phục các làn sóng văn hoá.
NXB Tri thức.
[8] Some websites for references:
o Website about export markets of Australian trade committee – Austrade:
http://www.austrade.gov.au/Export/Export-Markets/Countries
ü Eg., search business information with China:
http://www.austrade.gov.au/Export/Export-Markets/Countries/China/Doing-
business#.VAtsQGDB4Vk
o Website of The Runckel & Associates Consulting Company (Portland, Oregon, USA):
http://www.business-in-asia.com/
ü Eg., search information for business trip to Asia:
http://www.business-in-asia.com/businesstrip.html
o [Tips]: Search by using some key words: doing business, business culture, business
etiquette.

9. Other notes:

ü All inquiries related to this course, please contact lecturer via email: trant@uel.edu.vn

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APPENDIX. Rubrics for Group Homework (GHW)

Method Criteria Proportion Grade Standard

Group report 50% Rubrics for Group Report
(Appendix a)
Group Homework Presentation 30% Rubrics for Presentation
(GHW) (Appendix b)
Gameshow for 20% Rubrics for the gameshow
listeners (Appendix c)
A. Purpose:

This assignment aims to help students explore the differences in business culture among different
countries, including Vietnam and major export markets of Vietnam from different regions: USA,
Mexico, Germany, Russia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE (United Arab Emirates),
Australia, South Africa.
B. Format & structure:

Format: The report is documented in A4 pages with Times New Romans in font style, 12pt in font
size, 3 cm left, 2 cm right, 3 cm top, and 3 cm bottom in margins.

• Each country is reported by each group. A hard copy of assignment report is submitted at
class on presentation date and a soft copy (word/pdf) is sent to lecturer via email before ONE
week. (Late submission is deducted by 30%).
• The group also need to prepare presentation & questions for audiences with small gifts for
correct answers.
• The assignement report should be no longer than 25 pages (A4 size, Times New Roman font
12, Multiple 1.3 aligned, 6pt paragraph spacing), including main content, tables, graphs (if
applicable). . (Not including annexes and references).
Structure:

The report is remarked on the scale of 100 points, which will then be assigned a 10-point scale to
calculate the final score.
• Cover page (topic title, group number, name and age of each member)
• Main content
• References
The main content of the report includes:
1. Introdution of the national overview (30 points):

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 • Geographic location
• Natural conditions
• Demography (population, ethnicity, ethics / religion, language)
• Social structure
• Political conditions
• Economic conditions
• Education
2. Notes on differences in national business culture (70 points)
Depending on specific country, the differences may be:
• Key values in business
• Business norms: Include customs (dress codes, greetings, greetings, handshakes, business
cards, gift giving, courtesy in the table); attitudes toward time, the use of sign language ...)
& customary.
• Organizational structure of the company
• Notes in business negotiation
• Promotion, motivation
• Leadership
• Other notes (if any)
Note: Good article cannot only list the differences in business culture but can also explain where that
difference is originated. (Hint: Based on the information in part 1 or cultural demesions of Hofstede
and Trompenaars)
C. Evaluation

Appendix C1. Rubrics for Group report

Tiêu chí 9 - 10 7 – dưới 9 5 – dưới 7 Dưới 5
National There are 7 Missing 1-2 Missing 3 Missing more than 3
overview sections fully & sections while the sections while the sections while the
(30%) in details with rest is well- rest is well- rest is well-informed
clear references. informed with informed with with clear
Noted, unless clear references. clear references. references. Or there
clear references, Noted, unless Noted, unless are fully 7 sections
you will be clear references, clear references, fully but poor
deducted by 20% you will be you will be information. Noted,
of total points. deducted by 20% deducted by 20% unless clear
of total points. of total points references, you will
be deducted by 20%
of total points.
Differences List all the - List 70-80% the - List 50-70% the List moret han 50%
in national differences in differences in differences in the differences in
business culture with clear culture with clear culture with clear culture with clear
culture explaination explaination explaination explaination reason.
(70%) reason. Noted, reason. Noted, reason..
unless clear unless clear - List 70-80% the
references, you references, you differences in
will be deducted will be deducted culture with
by 20% of total by 20% of total unclear
points. points. explaination
reason.

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Appendix C1. Rubrics for Presentation

Criteria 9 - 10 7 - below 9 5 – below 7 Below 5

Presentation Visuals are Visuals are well Some visuals are Most visuals are
Visuals creative, prepared, well prepared, not well
attractive, well informative and informative and prepared,
prepared, effective. effective. informative and
informative, and effective.
effective.
Presentation Presenters speak Presenters Presenters speak Presenters speak
style clearly, easily to generally speak clearly, but unclearly,
understand, and clearly, easily to difficultly to difficultly to
communicate to understand, and understand, and understand and
the entire communicate to speak to only have very poor
audience. They the entire part of the communication.
do an outstanding audience. They audience.
job in the have very few
speaking aspect errors in speaking
of the or
presentation communication
Content Information is Information is Information may Information is
Coverage presented in the generally be only partially presented in a
well-organized presented in an organized and disorganized way
way. Main points organized way. one of main and many main
are shown fully Main points are points is not points are not
on time. shown fully on presented on presented on
time. time. time.

Group All group All group Some group Only 1 or 2

Coordination members members members group members
participate participate. participate participate
equally

Answering the All the answers Most the answers Some answers go Almost the
questions (30%) go directly to the go directly to the directly to the answers do not
questions and questions and questions and go directly to the
show a clear generally show a show unclear questions and
understanding of clear understanding of show unclear
group members understanding of group members understanding of
about the subject group members about the subject group members
about the subject about the subject

Appendix C1. Rubrics for Gameshow

Criteria 9 - 10 7 - below 9 5 – below 7 Below 5

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Operation Attract all the Attract the major Attract a half of Attract only
(50%) audiences to join of the audiences to the audiences to some
join join audiences to
join.
Question Questions cover all Questions cover Questions cover Questions
content (50%) the report content 70-90% of the 50-70% of the cover less than
report content report content 50% of the
report content

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