module specification

This module critically explores the complexities of managing and working across diverse social and cultural contexts in an increasingly interconnected world. It draws on interdisciplinary insights from organisational behaviour, cross-cultural psychology, social anthropology, and international management to examine how cultural assumptions, values, and communication styles influence organisational practices.

Students will develop a deeper awareness of their own cultural frameworks and those of others, enhancing their ability to engage sensitively and effectively in intercultural contexts. Key topics include leadership across cultures, team dynamics, global mobility, intercultural negotiation, and the ethical challenges of working in multicultural environments.

Learning is structured around weekly lectures and interactive seminars designed to foster critical dialogue and peer learning. Students will work in diverse teams to deliver a group presentation, simulating real-world cross-cultural collaboration. This formative experience supports the development of key interpersonal and analytical skills and feeds forward into the second summative assessment which is an individual report requiring applied critical analysis of cross-cultural management theories and concepts covered during the classes.

The content and design of the module underpin the broader objectives of the courses of which it is part. The content will substantially contribute to developing students’ understanding of management theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles, and in particular implications for the management of people in international or cross-cultural contexts. The design and assessment frameworks reflect a student-centred learning approach, where students learn with and from each other, and where students progressively learn to discuss, debate and evaluate key organisational issues.

This module embraces the rich cultural diversity of our learning community with over 140 nationalities represented at London Metropolitan University, and supports students in becoming more reflective, inclusive, and globally minded practitioners.

Standard university requirements for Level 6 entry
Available for Study Abroad? YES

- Introduction to culture and management
- Theories of cross-cultural management
- Self-awareness and cultural identity
- Multi-cultural teams and collaboration
- Communication across cultures
- Managing negotiations across cultures
- International human resource management: cross-cultural issues and implications
- Cross-cultural issues in expatriation
- Influence of religion and spirituality in socio-cultural contexts.
- Ethics and values in cross-cultural perspective

The formal delivery of this module comprises three contact hours per week. This includes twelve two hour lectures which will cover the theory and key concepts underpinning themes in the syllabus. The lectures will also be available to students to view or revisit later online (via Weblearn), allowing students to review at their own pace and engage in blended learning. Supplementary readings and guided independent tasks are also provided via Weblearn to support autonomous learning.

Lectures will be supplemented by one hour seminar classes which allow for a closer level analysis of the issues in an interactive format. For example, seminars will draw on case studies, videos and “dilemmas” or scenario activities. These exercises facilitate deeper engagement and application of the lecture content. The seminar sessions give students the opportunity to discuss and debate issues, to drive conversations and to progress formatively. There is a strong focus on peer learning (i.e. learning from and with other students) and this is also summatively assessed in the presentation. 

In preparing for the group presentation in week 9, students will experience first-hand the challenges and enjoyment of researching/working in a cross-cultural team. The activity will foster peer learning and reflective practice, as students collaborate, manage differences and support each other’s development. The team presentation also encourages students to reflect on their own and others’ cultures and highlights some of the challenges in working and managing across cultures.

Work conducted as a team should have enabled all team members to develop a broader and deeper insight into the cultural complexities embedded in the question and of the relevant literature. For the second summative assessment, each team member will produce an individual report analysing the original team question from a distinct country, culture, or sub-theme perspective. Students are marked individually on the second assessment, but they will build upon the team and peer learning of the earlier work. They will identify key implications or challenges and demonstrate their problem-solving skills by proposing ways to address working across cultures. This ensures individual accountability while leveraging the benefits of collective learning.

Assessment 1- Students prepare a summatively assessed group presentation on a question chosen from a set of cross-cultural topics along with reflection on working in a cross-cultural group. This encourages students to reflect on their own and others’ cultures and present cross-cultural comparisons on the chosen topic.

Assessment 2- Each student critically analyses the previously chosen question from a specific socio-cultural perspective, applying cross-cultural theories and relating their insights to broader module themes. They will produce a 1000 word analytical essay exploring cultural understanding, key management challenges, and practical recommendations within the chosen country or culture.

On completing the module students will be able to:
LO1: Demonstrate awareness of and reflect critically on their own and others’ cultural backgrounds and how these influence values and behaviours.

LO2: Evaluate the impact of cultural differences on organisational behaviour and management practices using relevant theories and frameworks

LO3: Apply appropriate research, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills to explore the influence of culture and suggest informed approaches to addressing the complex challenges of working across cultures, including those emerging from digital transformation and the pursuit of sustainable and responsible business practices.
 

Reading List for HR6055

Core book:

- Browaeys, M. J., & Price, R. (2008). Understanding cross-cultural management. Pearson education.
- Brewster, C., Houldsworth, E., Sparrow, P., & Vernon, G. (2016). International human resource management. Kogan Page Publishers.
- French, R. (2015). Cross-cultural management in work organisations. Kogan Page Publishers.

Addition reading:
- Adler, N. J. (2021). International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior (7th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Trompenaars, F., & Hampden-Turner, C. (2012). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Minkov, M. (2018). Cross-Cultural Analysis: The Science and Art of Comparing the World’s Modern Societies and Their Cultures (3rd ed.). Sage.
- Livermore, D. A. (2015). Leading with Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret to Success (2nd ed.). AMACOM.
- House, R. J., Hanges, P. J., Javidan, M., Dorfman, P. W., & Gupta, V. (Eds.). (2004). Culture, Leadership, and Organizations: The GLOBE Study of 62 Societies. Sage.
- Meyer, E. (2014). The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business. PublicAffairs.
Journals:
• Journal of International Business Studies
• Cross Cultural & Strategic Management
• International Journal of Human Resource Management
• International Journal of Intercultural Relations
• Journal of World Business
Online Learning Platforms (Web Sources):
• Hofstede cultural comparison tool (https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-tool)
• GLOBE Project (https://globeproject.com/study_2004_2007)
• Harvard Business Review — Articles and case studies on cross-cultural leadership and management
• TED Talks — Videos on cultural intelligence, leadership, and global teamwork