Module
Inter-Cultural Communication

Type
Core module (30 hours)

ECTS
5

UoW credits
10

Coordinator
Izabela Markiewicz, MA

Overall Aims and Purpose
The increasingly inter-related nature of the global business system brings with it growing requirements for flexibility and tolerance in various cultural settings, backed by effectiveness in passing across detailed information and comprehending what is offered in return. Business challenges require multi-ethnic teams that must be effectively led and managed, so they deliver required solutions and results that push forth the technological, organisational and product know-how. Finding a way around the challenges brought by differences in cultures is the key requirement in the 21st century business. Students are exposed to the nature of Intercultural communication, major theoretical approaches to researching and understanding ICC, nature of the communication process, relationships and their role in ICC and competencies in an ICC setting.

Content
1. Basic concepts.
- Current perspectives on ICC
- Hidden differences
- Cultural assumptions and values
2. Theorising Inter-cultural communication
- Theories of communication incorporating culture
- Theories of cross-cultural variability in communication
- Theories of adaptations in interactions
- Theories of identity
3. Intercultural communication process
- Value orientations and intercultural encounters
- Mindful Intercultural verbal communication
- Mindful intercultural nonverbal communication
4. Boundary regulation and inter-group-interpersonal relationships
- Identity contact and inter-group encounters
- Intercultural Personal identity development
- Constructive Intercultural conflict management
5. Identity transformation and transcultural competencies
- Identity change and intercultural adaptation
- Trans-cultural communication competence
6. Applications
- Managing inter-cultural teams
- Managing international careers
- Leadership across cultures

Literature

Essential
Bennett, M., 1998, “Basic concepts of Intercultural communication: selected readings”, Intercultural Press
Gudykunst, W., 2004, “Theorising about Inter-cultural communication”, SAGE.
Ting-Toomey, S., 1999, “Communicating Across Cultures”, Guilford Press

Suggested
Mead, R., 2004, “International management: cross-cultural dimensions”, Blackwell
Norales, F., 2001, “Cross cultural communication: concepts cases and challenges”, Cambria Press
Thomas, D., 2004, “Cultural Intelligence: People skills for global business”, Berrett-Koehler
Young, Y., 2000, “Becoming Intercultural: an integrative theory”, SAGE