Learning Objectives
Interactive Workshop 5 – International Business and Multicultural Skills (2 days)
1. Introduction to International Issues
a. What is Culture? Elements and Dimensions of Culture
- Define culture.
- Understand the components and dimensions of culture.
b. Skills as Competitive Advantage
- Discuss the importance of international and multicultural skills as competitive advantages.
2. Individual National Cultures
a. A Study of Canadian, U.S., Mexican, Indian, and Chinese Cultures
- To understand on a basic level, some of the differences between several foreign cultures and Canadian culture.
- Appreciate the differences in conventions of both business and family life among Canada. Mexico, China, India and the U.S.
b. Introduction to Country-Product Sourcing Exercise
3. Cultural and Business Ethics
a. Cultural Relativism and Imperialism
- Understand the advantages of pursuing a policy of extreme cultural relativism or cultural/ethical imperialism.
- Understand the core principles entailed in order to avoid these extremes.
- Understand the principles of the Global Compact as an example of these principles.
- Discuss the implications in the workplace of these principles.
b. Towards a Cultural Code of Conduct
c. Guidelines for Ethical Leadership
4. Country Product Sourcing Exercise
a. Preparation
- Gain greater understanding of the interactions among two cultures (Canadian and that of the supplier) and the industry concerned.
- Gain a basic appreciation of the cultural factors involved in face-face interaction with suppliers.
b. Presentations
c. Questions and Answers
5. Workshop Final Report and Wrap Up
a. Report Format and Guidelines
- Prepare a final report.
b. Workshop Wrap-Up
- Begin preparation of their workshop final report.
- Discuss the key concepts covered during the session.
- Discuss how they would apply the concepts in their organizations.