Course Syllabus

 

Course description:

Cultural diversity doesn’t only exist between national cultures; it also exists between different corporate and professional cultures within the same organization.  Previously, cross-cultural training has primarily been focused around outlining the differences between various national stereotypes with little or no attention on how we can benefit from this diversity. Today we live in a globalized world, where cultures blend together more than ever before in history. Thus, being able to lead successfully across cultures is a key skillset to possess and at the same time extremely complex to manage. 

The purpose of this intercultural management course is to bring the participants attention to the importance of knowing how to take advantage of cultural diversity, in any form. We will leverage a theoretical framework from academic research as well as be inspired by real world leaders with vast experience within managing different cultures.

Furthermore, this class will explore the required skills for a modern day leader and create a personal roadmap towards a future professional leadership career for the participants with leadership ambitions.

Learning objectives:

The objectives of the course are to enable the students to:

• Understand the concepts of cross-cultural leadership.
• Take a strategic approach to cross-cultural leadership.
• Be able to apply best practices within cross cultural leadership to their personal leadership development.
• Be able to design working environments that take advantage of cultural diversity.

Faculty 

Katarina Hejrskov (she/her), LLB & Professional Legal Studies (Equivalent of the Danish cand.jur./Masters) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Marketing) from the University of Auckland. Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and accredited Mediator & Restorative Justice Facilitator. Founder and Mediator at Heron Mediation. Co-chair of International Summits at the Elder Mediation International Network and Legal Advisor for the Peace Foundation NZ. Expertise in conflict resolution, restorative justice and leadership. External lecturer of law at AUT Auckland. With DIS since 2021.

Required Texts

Course readings (see below) are found on Canvas. Before each class, you are expected to read texts, listen to podcasts, and/or watch films/videos assigned for the class. The below may be subject to change.

Simon and Hoyt 2022 Gender and Leadership in Northouse 2022 Chap 14 (1).pdf

Harvard Business Review Women Rising.pdf

Cross Cultural Conflict Resolution in Teams.pdf

The ADKAR model.pdf

World Bank - Doing Business In Denmark 2020.pdf

Managing Multicultural Teams.pdf

Culture Club An Interview with Fons Trompenaars.pdf

Dilemma-Doctors.pdf

Dimensionalizing Cultures_ The Hofstede Model in Context.pdf

5 Simple Office Policies That Make Danish Workers Way More Happy Than Americans.pdf

A variety of podcasts and articles. 

Field Studies

This course will include one field study and one seminar night that are designed to enhance your understanding of the topics of this course. 

Course Policies

Electronic devices – Cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices should be stored away during class. 

AI - This course emphasizes the importance of individual creativity and critical thinking. Consequently, the use of AI writing tools is prohibited. Any violation of this policy will be regarded as a severe breach of academic integrity and will be addressed accordingly. 

Schedule – Schedule is subject to change if necessary with as much notice as possible.

Teaching Methods 

The teaching in this course is based on experiential learning and students are expected to participate actively in activities, field work, presentations and discussions both during class, field visit and on canvas. While I am responsible for the overall structure of the class, all of us will contribute to the production of knowledge and creating a learning space with reflection, responsibility and trust.

The class will largely be student driven through group work, hands-on activities, and debates. Your own engagement plays an important role and you are encouraged to reflect actively on your leadership experiences during our hands-on activities and help towards creating an inclusive and safe learning environment. 

Overall, the aim is to create a class community characterized by respect and willingness to listen/consider others’ perspectives, where it is safe to explore ideas together and individually, even when they are not fully conceptualized. This requires a level of trust in each other and a willingness and curiosity to consider each other’s arguments.

Grading breakdown

Engagement – This course will be highly interactive. You will be expected to do the readings and actively participate in meaningful class discussions regarding their application to the issues addressed in class. You will also be expected to participate during the guest lecturers, through asking questions and applying the guest lecturers’ inputs to future class discussions. In order to get an “A” the student must show a high level of participation – engage him/herself in discussions and ask relevant questions.

Furthermore, please refer to the general attendance policy at DIS. Unexcused absences will result in a lower/failing participation grade.

Written Assignment – Taking on the role of a leadership consultant, you will interview a leader with intercultural experience and write an article connecting their insights to course readings and concepts. Specific format and grading guidelines to be introduced in class.

Podcast – In teams, you will produce a podcast discussing current news stories with leadership and cross-cultural elements, demonstrating your understanding of course concepts through analysis and discussion. More information will follow in our preparation class for this assignment.

Group Presentation – You will receive a real-life case in class, which you will work on together in groups and present at the end of the semester. It will give you the opportunity to apply the learnings from the semester to a real scenario. All students in a group will receive the same grade.

 

Grading Elements:				Grading Scheme:
Class Engagement		= 20 points		Points	Grade
Written Assignment		= 25 points		100 – 93	A
Podcast		= 25 points		<93 – 90	A-
Team Presentation		= 30 points		<90 – 87	B+
				<87 – 83	B
Total		= 100 points		<83 – 80	B-
				<80 – 77	C+
				<77 – 73	C
				<73 – 70	C-
				<70 – 67	D+
				<67 – 63	D
				<63 – 60	D-
				<60	F

The syllabus may be subject to change.