Purpose
Upon completion of this topic students should:
- Have insight into the challenges and opportunities concerning managing international staff and organizational units
- Examine leadership behaviors and skills essential for managing international organizations
- Reflect on the unique challenges associated with managing diverse teams
- Reflect on the role of leaders in realizing the promise of diversity
Content
International management, the practice of managing business operations in more than one country, raises several challenges for managers. Many of these challenges relate to the fact that management practices and worker expectations vary across countries. Multinational companies therefore often have to adjust their practices, styles and routines when dealing with employees in different countries. One aspect that we will address in this course is the role of leaders and management styles in international settings. More specifically, we will examine how leadership may have different meanings in different countries and that the effectiveness of leadership styles is contingent upon the cultural setting. Another topic of the course is the role of international diversity particularly in teamwork. More and more people working in multinational companies work in international project teams that comprise people from different nationalities. This diversity has benefits, but also comes with costs. We will look into the challenge of international diversity, both within teams, as well as within organizations. You will prepare for most classes by completing relevant readings and preparing a task with your assigned team (e.g., case analysis, presentation, etc.). The readings will give you theoretical grounding for each day's discussion and will provide important information for you to use in your group's task.
Education and testing
Instructional method
•Group assignment
•Case work
•Subgroup discussions
•Lectures
•Student presentations
Assesment
•Written exam and group assignment(100%)
Literature
•Downloadable readings will be available through links in the syllabus or announced on Blackboard.
