Management in a Global Context

Module code: MN7264

Module Outline

This module explores cultural and contextual diversity in organisations; impact on management and organisational behaviour; managing in less developed countries and emerging economies; problems associated with contextual or cultural stereotyping.

This module is inspired by the globalization of business and the correspondingly increased likelihood that we will manage, work alongside or sell products and services to and buy products and services from people from other countries, nation states and regions in our working lives. Given the ever-growing rate of cross-border investment, we may also engage in commercial competition with those from different countries, nation states and regions or have to satisfy them as shareholders - even if we never leave our country or region of origin. This means that managers in the global economy have to seriously reflect upon their own contextual and cultural assumptions as well as interpreting the actions and intentions of others who may come from an entirely different context or cultural mindset - that is to say, they need to be able to think outside their own world-view. Management in a Global Context therefore introduces students to the effects of context and culture in shaping managerial priorities and practices, and organizational behaviour more generally. It aims to alert students to the potential workplace pitfalls brought about by the resulting differences, as well as warning against any form of simplistic or stereotypical thinking when attempting to apprehend these issues.

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an increased awareness of contextual and cultural differences and their consequences at work.
• Apply this awareness to real-life organizational cases.
• Suggest how to avoid resultant 'misunderstandings' in the organization.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the problems associated with contextual or cultural stereotyping.
• Write competently and fluently about the issues discussed above