Module: Cross-cultural Management

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Cross-cultural Management
Module Code	MNA1049 (ITS: HR310)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to develop among students the awareness and skills necessary for dealing competently with cultural diversity when operating in international business. The main objective of this module is to equip students with a critical understanding of the relationship between national culture and business in different parts of the world, in particular the cultural dimensions that need to be considered for managing people. Also, students will get an insight into selected legislative and institutional differences across countries/regions. Finally, the module aims to equip students with the skills to apply analytical frameworks to specific cases and to work in a multicultural team.

Learning Outcomes

1. Examine the importance of cross-cultural management, by analyzing theoretical and empirical studies on national cultures and business.
2. Discuss a range of international management practices and how culture impacts upon them.
3. Compare management models and their implications for management in different national / regional contexts.
4. Identify and evaluate the challenges and opportunities of doing business in different countries.
5. Display an understanding of cultural difference in interactions with different nationalities.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Group work	25	No Description
Independent Study	78	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20727	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aurora Trif	Module Teacher	Sean Dempsey

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group assignment	Group presentation + group essay	30%	Once per semester
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

National culture & cultural dimensions
The relationship between national culture and business in different parts of the world.

Institutional distance & varieties of capitalism
The relationship between national institutions and business in different parts of the world.

Culture and organization
Key factors affecting managing people in multinational companies.

Balancing integration and localisation in IHRM
Key factors affecting standardisation and adaptation of HRM in multinational companies.

Communication across cultures
Verbal and non-verbal communication.

National culture and business ethics
The relationship between ethics and business in different parts of the world.

Chinese business culture
Key factors affecting business and managing people in China.

Arabic business culture
Key factors affecting business and managing people in Arab countries.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Schneider, S., Stahl G. and Barsoux, J.L.: 2014, Managing Across Cultures, 3rd, Financial Times/Prentice Hall, London,
Lewis, R. D.: 2006, When Cultures Collide â€“ Leading Across Cultures, 3rd, Nicholas Brealey International, London:,
Adler, N.J.: 2008, International Dimensions of Organizational Behaviour, 5th, South Western/Thomson Learning, Cincinnati, Ohio,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Website, Hofstede, G., Cultural dimensions - countries comparison,
418055: 1, Website, Lewis, R., National and personal cultural profiles,
http://www.crossculture.com/services/online-tools/: