Intercultural Communication

The course has been prepared as part of the project entitled "Platon. Online educational courses for students" (project number: POWR.03.01.00-00-W071/18). Project co-financed by the European Union under the European Social Fund – Operational Programme Knowledge Education Development.

The course is designed for students and other people working or planning to work in an international, intercultural environment.

The course provides information on culture, theories and models used for classifying cultures, and practical examples showing how to shape effective communication and understanding in an intercultural environment.

Here you can find this course in Polish.

PREREQUISITES

You do not need to have any background knowledge to proceed with the course. The course is intended for anyone interested.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• You will learn why cultures differ from each other.
• You will get to know various typologies and classifications of cultures.
• You will learn how culture affects communication.
• You will learn how culture influences different areas of business activity.
• You will know how to communicate effectively and respectfully with representatives of various cultures.

COURSE CONTENT

MODULE 1. The importance of intercultural communication in the modern world

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• the multicultural labor market,
• communication,
• factors affecting the communication process.

MODULE 2. What is culture?

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• the iceberg model of culture,
• basic assumptions.

MODULE 3. Selected typologies of cultures

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• cultural dimensions,
• typologies of cultures.

MODULE 4. Cultural dimensions in Geert Hofstede’s model

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• individualism and collectivism,
• power distance,
• uncertainty avoidance,
• masculinity and femininity,
• long-term orientation and short-term orientation,
• indulgence and restraint.

MODULE 5. The essence of intercultural communication

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• intercultural sensitivity,
• Bennett’s model,
• intercultural competences.

MODULE 6. Intercultural communication in business negotiations

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• query,
• meeting agenda,
• negotiation style,
• business protocol.

MODULE 7. Intercultural communication in marketing

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• verbal communication,
• visual communication,
• the symbolism of colors,
• animal symbols,
• religious traditions.

MODULE 8. Intercultural communication in human resource management

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• interpersonal communication,
• eye contact,
• proxemics,
• haptic communication,
• conflict management,
• organization of work,
• holidays,
• work hours.

MODULE 9. Barriers in intercultural communication

The most important topics you will learn in this module: 

• cultural differences,
• stereotype,
• bias,
• discrimination.

MODULE 10. Summary

The tenth module is a summary of the essential topics covered in the course.

CONDITIONS FOR PASSING THE COURSE

To pass the course and obtain a certificate you have to read the entire material and get a total of 50% of the points that can be gained from the activities included in the course.

CONDITIONS FOR OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE

If you get a total of 50% of the points that can be gained from the activities, the platform will generate a course completion certificate for you.

COURSE TEAM

mgr Marta Kozak-Gołębiowska 

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula

Instructional designer, learning designer, lecturer. From 2006 associated with the e-learning industry. She took part in creating e-learning courses for large organizations, such as PKN ORLEN, Bank BGŻ BNP Paribas S.A., ARiMR. She has worked in nationwide e-learning projects, such as the PARP Academy. At the Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula, together with a team of lecturers and e-learning specialists, she conducts online studies and implements modern educational technologies. She also conducts traditional classes for students in the field of interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, and soft skills.