Proposal for a course inCross Cultural Communication

Abhishek AnandKunal Ahuja Binesh KNihit JainVaibhav KukrejaVaibhav Sathe Parvathi Ganesh

Section C

Agenda

Global villageCommon cultural issuesNeed for managersWhy in IIM-L?SurveyCourse structure OutlinePedagogy

Global Village

Work force diversity to meet local needs

Physical distance not a hindrance

Expanding social spheres

Unified communities

Testimonial

“This year we also launched a comprehensive online cultural learning resource to help employees learn about different cultures and how to be more effective when working cross-culturally.”

Employees from 125 nationalitiesAspires to be the world's best international bankCombining global capability, deep local knowledge

Common cultural issues

Perception of Time

Perception of Space

Power Distance

Non-verbal communication

Time and SpaceMonochronic

Linear TimeNorth and West hemispheresWork done one at a time segmented into small units

PolychronicCyclical TimeSouth and East hemispheresMore fluid approach in scheduling time

Space Differences in comfortable distance between people

Power Distance

Identification of hierarchical structure vis-a-vis different geography or organizationPreference either to high power distance or low power distance e.g. Australia vs IndiaEmphasis on openness, challenging superior’s opinion or subdued acceptanceIdentifying association of seniority & age when it comes to authority e.g. Japan Vs USA

Non verbal communication

Low Context Culture - less emphasis on non verbal cuesHigh Context Culture - more emphasis on non verbal cuesThe importance of Body language & face-saving across culturesSome cultures value “face” more than their own well-beingOther cultures do not care about face all that much

Non verbal communication

Importance to Managers

To be effective internationally is crucial for commercial and personal successA hands-on learning experience on cross-cultural skillsFacilitating correct interpretation of a wide variety of situationsLaying the foundation for necessary behavioral adaptations in diverse teamsExtension to MDP and IPMX programs

Why at IIM-L

Active International Student Exchange program with 24 universities28 incoming students, 53 outgoing students this year5 international profiles at summersMore than 30% of alumni are working outside IndiaMore than 65% of alumni are working in MNCs in globally distributed teams

SurveyTargeted audience

Incoming Student Exchange StudentsOutgoing Student Exchange StudentsOther PGP students

QuestionsDo you feel there is a need of a course on Course Culture sensitivity ?How should be the pedagogy of the course ?When should we have the course ?Given an option, would you opt for the course ?Did you experience any difficulty at workplace while working in a distributed team ?

Survey Results

84%

4%12%

Need of Course

YesNoCan't Say

71231

Pedagogy

Case BasedLive ProjectsTheoreticalHands on Expe-rience

76%4%20%

Course Acceptabil-ity

YesNoCan't Say

20%

24%16%

40%

Course Schedule

Term 2Term 3Term 4Term 558%30%

12%

Workplace Cultural Dif-ficulties

YesNoCan't Say

Course content

Course StructureObjective:To help students develop appreciation for various cultures and skills for effective communication through hands-on experience

Credits: 0.5Schedule: Term VSessions: 15 x 1 Hrs

Text book:Gudykunst William B., Cross-Cultural and Intercultural Communication, SAGE Publications Inc, 2003

Course StructureLecturesCase discussionsGroup Assignments, role playsProfessional VisitsField visit

Evaluation criteria:No formal examinationsPresentationsClass participationFeedback

Course outline

Cross Cultural Communication TheoriesLanguage and Verbal Communication Across CulturesCultural Influences on the Expression and Perception of EmotionsIdentity and Intergroup CommunicationCommunication in Intercultural RelationshipsTechnology enabled communicationAdapting to an Unfamiliar Culture

Practical Approach

Intrinsic & Extrinsic Cross culture Awareness ProgramsField Trips

Cross Cultural art workshopsExpat gatherings

Tie up with NGOsVillage & Urban divideVisit in term break

Leverage Student ExchangeForeign perspective to cultural values

Delhi International Arts Festival

December every year, suitable for term VField trip for a weekend to DelhiParticipation from Exchange studentsDomestic and International business participationShare experiences

Communication Technology

Email

Video Conferencing

Instant Messaging

Telephone/VOIP

SMS

Special module on technology enabled cross cultural communicationWriting stylesMiscommunication

Adapting to unfamiliar cultures

Overcome culture shock Emphasis on being open and respectful to other culturesSocial participation in different cultural environmentsAcquiring some aspects of other culture

Role plays and field visits can help develop broader outlook

Thank youMost foreign cultures do not expect you to learn their language but are extremely impressed by the traveller who has taken the time to learn and use local body language customs. This tells them that you respect their culture.

Japanese are unimpressed at the English custom of men wearing a handkerchief in their jacket top pocket. This is the equivalent of proudly dangling a roll of toilet paper from the pocket, ready for action.