Course Title: Develop cross cultural communication and negotiation strategies
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2021
Course Code: BUSM8876C
Course Title: Develop cross cultural communication and negotiation strategies
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6169 - Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Course Contact: Nick Reynolds
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 0791
Course Contact Email: nick.reynolds@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Alain Grossbard
99255522
Nominal Hours: 80
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply effective cross cultural communication and negotiation skills, and to develop these skills in international education business contexts.
It applies to individuals who manage education programs and projects in organisations from one or more international education sectors (schools, English language training organisations, vocational education and training, higher education, postgraduate education).
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBDIV803 Develop cross cultural communication and negotiation strategies |
Element: |
1 Analyse own organisation's international education practices using theoretical models of culture |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Define the key elements of culture and cultural diversity from a range of perspectives 1.2 Investigate and analyse interaction between the key elements of culture and cultural diversity 1.3 Apply theoretical models of culture and cultural diversity to an international education provider context and own organisational practices |
Element: |
2 Evaluate cultural features of selected countries relevant to the business of education |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Describe significant events that have shaped the identity of selected countries 2.2 Research and profile key characteristics of education and training systems in selected countries 2.3 Analyse and describe broad cultural differences in learning behaviour in selected countries 2.4 Research and evaluate teaching styles, educational practices, and delivery and assessment methods, in selected countries 2.5 Compare and contrast distinguishing features of business practices in selected countries |
Element: |
3 Develop cross cultural awareness strategies, and communication and negotiation skills in an international education setting |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify and communicate ways in which cultural norms in the workplace operate to regulate, repress, tolerate and celebrate diversity 3.2 Evaluate potential impact of improved cross-cultural awareness on personal, educational and commercial interactions 3.3 Apply formal and informal coaching and training strategies to improve organisational cross-cultural communication practices and strategies 3.4 Determine appropriate criteria and strategies to evaluate effectiveness of communication and negotiation in an international education setting |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in developing and negotiating cross-cultural communication strategies within the education sector.
This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience in order to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to:
- apply cross-cultural knowledge and protocols
- effectively communicate with diverse groups and individuals in the work-related environment
- research communication styles and methods, and cultural protocols for use with people from a range of countries
- document cross cultural awareness and communication strategies
- outline communication styles and methods, and cultural protocols for use with people from a range of countries
- define culture and cultural diversity based on a number of theoretical models
- identify cultural bias inherent in any conceptual model of culture
- outline implicit and explicit similarities and differences within and between countries and cultures
- list important cultural features of selected countries
- describe various personal cultural assumptions shaping expectations and outcomes.
Details of Learning Activities
This course will be delivered through face-to-face classes and online by accessing materials and resources in Canvas. In this course you will learn more about applying cross cultural communication and negotiation skills, and to develop these skills in international education business contexts. It is intended to provide students with an appreciation of the drivers of culture and the impact on other behaviours and attitudes.
There will be a series of micro-credentials that will need to be completed complemented by practical activities supported by lectures. All the material will assist in completing the assessment tasks required.
Teaching Schedule
WEEK |
WEEK COMMENCING |
TOPIC |
AREAS COVERED |
1 |
8th February |
Introduction to the course |
Overview of the course |
2 |
15th February |
Cultural bias |
What is cultural bias |
3 |
22nd February |
Elements of culture |
Elements of culture |
4 |
1st March |
Cultural Identity |
Interculturality |
5 |
8th March |
Finalisation of assessments |
|
6 |
15th March |
Cultural models |
Cultural dimensions - Lewis and Hofstede |
7 |
22nd March |
Cultural awareness |
Awareness |
8 |
29th March |
Cultural diversity |
What is it |
|
Mid Semester Break 1st April – 7th April
| |||
9 |
12th April |
Finalisation of assessments |
Micro Cred - Cross cultural communications (2-4 hours) |
10 |
19th April |
Country specific cultures, events and education |
Argentina, Egypt, India, Netherlands, Russia, South Korea |
11 |
26th April |
Country specific cultures, events and education |
Argentina, Egypt, India, Netherlands, Russia, South Korea |
12 |
3rd May |
Country specific cultures, events and education |
Argentina, Egypt, India, Netherlands, Russia, South Korea |
13 |
10th May |
Country specific cultures, events and education |
Argentina, Egypt, India, Netherlands, Russia, South Korea |
14 |
17th May |
Education practices |
Approaches to learning |
15 |
24th May |
Education practices |
Evaluating effectiveness of communication |
16 |
31st May |
Finalisation of assessments / resubmissions |
|
17 |
7th June |
Grade Entry |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
All resources will be available in Canvas.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Methods
A range of assessment methods will be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following assessment methods will be used specifically to assess competency in developing and negotiating cross-cultural communication strategies:
- Project management
- Written reports supported by practical assignments or tasks for individual assessment
- Observation of workplace practice supported by personal interviews
- Knowledge tests
- Practical display with personal interview, presentations or documentation
- Case studies
- Real situations
- Interaction with others.
You will be assessed on the criteria below:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- apply cross-cultural knowledge and protocols
- effectively communicate with diverse groups and individuals in the work-related environment
- research communication styles and methods, and cultural protocols for use with people from a range of countries
- document cross cultural awareness and communications strategies.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- outline communication styles and methods, and cultural protocols for use with people from a range of countries
- define culture and cultural diversity based on a number of theoretical models
- identify cultural bias inherent in any conceptual model of culture
- outline implicit and explicit similarities and differences within and between countries and cultures
- list important cultural features of selected countries
- describe various personal cultural assumptions shaping expectations and outcomes
- identify sources of assistance for international students and visitors, including location of and access to interpreters
- outline special types of communications for the international education environment.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the workforce development – diversity field of work and include access to:
- organisational policies and procedures related to international education practices
- business technology
- case studies and, where possible, real situations
- interaction with others.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.
You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed.
Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
Task 1 Assessment; Knowledge questions
This short-answer assessment task is one of three assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. This assessment task allows you to demonstrate your knowledge of cultural diversity and its influences, including theoretical models of culture, and how personal and societal assumptions and biases can create stigma and stereotypes – resulting in discrimination.
- You must satisfactorily answer all 6 questions in the spaces provided
- You should answer all questions using full sentences, and word counts when requested
- All work must be your own and you must clearly cite any references you use.
This is an online assessment task. You will need to answer all questions on CANVAS.
The knowledge assessment is accessed through the Canvas shell and you must complete and submit your responses within the allocated assessment time frame. All 6 questions must be answered correctly for you to be assessed as satisfactory for this assessment task.
Task 2 Research Report
This project is the second of three assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your ability to:
- Research and evaluate the cultural features of other countries relevant to the business of education
- Research communication styles and methods, and cultural protocols for use with people from a range of countries
- Build knowledge on a range of countries in order to develop cross-cultural awareness strategies
For this task, you will be allocated two countries to research from the list above. Students who are from one of the countries in the list will be allocated another so that everyone may have the same learning opportunity and assessment is fair. You must research and address the following criteria for BOTH countries you are allocated. The word count is between 900-1000 words per country researched. The total word count for the report is 2000 words.
Produce a report in a Word document that addresses the following eight criteria. Present the report in two parts – one for each country you researched.
Approximate word counts have been given next to each criterion, however you should at minimum cover the question sufficiently. A few examples have been provided in the right-hand column as a starting point to assist your research.
Task 3 Presentation and Peer Review
This project is the third of three assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your ability to:
- Identify and communicate aspects of cross-cultural awareness
- Effectively communicate with diverse groups and individuals
- Apply formal/informal coaching strategies to improve cross-cultural communication
- Determine how to evaluate the effectiveness of communication between cultures
1. Create a 10-slide PowerPoint video that showcases a summary of your research into another country’s cultural protocols. Your presentation should focus on explaining how ‘cultural norms’ in Australian workplaces can differ from other countries’ social norms.
Summarise key information from your AT2 research paper answers, (specifically Criteria 7) about:
- Workplace hierarchy
- Sharing opinions at work
- Behaviour at work
- Work Health and Safety
- Use of humour in work situations
- Celebrating cross-cultural diversity
2. Present your PPT slides, keeping your presentation to a minimum (max. 5 mins)
3. Include one teachable moment where the audience engages with the presentation using a short activity. Following on from the Japanese examples in Task 2, a student presenting communication protocols used in Japan might show a short video on how to bow correctly, and then ask the audience to try it themselves.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of your presentation; collect feedback from the audience.
- To do this, ask participants to fill in a feedback sheet after your presentation.
- Design a one-page sheet with spaces for names and comments from those who where present.
- Ask three questions around their cultural awareness
- Provide a scale for judgement (likert scale) – such as ‘a lot’ to ‘not at all’ – or similar.
- Spend a few minutes answering any questions from the audience.
Assessment will take place in the classroom when you present your PPT to the class and obtain their feedback.
You will be assessed against the criteria as listed in the observation checklist in Section B of this task and how well you answer the questions asked by your assessor. To achieve a satisfactory result you will need to address all criteria satisfactorily.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment maps for all the assessment is available on CANVAS.
Submission Requirements
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. Non submission without supporting evidence such as an ELP or special consideration will mean a result of Did Not Submit (DNS)
- Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
- When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
- Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.
Other Information
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Resubmissions:
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
Marking Guide (Competency):
Feedback on your assignment and your results will be released via the rubric on Canvas. Assessment tasks will receive the following outcomes:
Satisfactory
Not Satisfactory
DNS (Did not Submit)
There are 3 assessments for this course, students must be deemed satisfactory i n all 3 assessments to be competent in this course.
Course grades will be given as:
CA (Competency Achieved)
NYC (Not Yet Competent)
DNS (Did not submit)
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview