Course Overview:

This course introduces students to the key concepts, theories and practices related to effective communication and collaboration in multicultural business environments. In today’s globalized economy, managers and employees must navigate cultural differences, avoid miscommunication, and build trust across diverse teams, clients, and markets. Students will examine how cultural values, communication styles, power dynamics, and business norms influence international business practices. Through technology-enhanced case studies, interactive simulations, and real-world examples, students will develop cultural intelligence, leverage digital tools for cross-cultural collaboration, and reflect on their own intercultural competencies. The course emphasizes practical strategies for managing cultural differences, leading diverse teams, negotiating across cultures, and adapting marketing and management styles to fit various cultural contexts. This foundational course prepares students for further study in international business, global leadership, and cross border operations by equipping them with the tools needed to thrive in multicultural workplaces.

Prerequisite:

  • The students must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education, or mature student status (19 years or older).
  • All applicants must meet one of the following Language Proficiency Requirements (LPR):
    • Completion of 2 years of secondary education (including English 10 and 11 with grade of ‘C’ or higher) from a country where English is one of the principal languages, or
    • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
    • Students from non-English speaking countries must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education and provide verified results for one of the English Language Proficiency tests with minimum scores listed below:
      • IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 50, CAEL 45, CELPIP 6.5, DET 105, PTE 47, PCE 175, CAMBRIDGE B2 Level, LANGUAGECERT B2 Level, MET B2 Level, ITEP 3.8, EIKEN Grade Pre-1. or
    • Provide proof of achieving at least 65% in Grade 12 English (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
  • Mature Student Applicants
    • Applicants who are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program, are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and are unable to provide official secondary or post-secondary education records may demonstrate English proficiency by:
      • Submitting a signed attestation confirming they have completed at least three years of full-time education in English in a country where English is one of the primary languages and
      • Completing the Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing, and WritePlacer) with the following minimum scores:
        • Reading: 235
        • Writing: 235
        • WritePlacer: 4

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  • Explain core intercultural frameworks and value dimensions that shape communication, behaviour, and expectations in global business environments.
  • Differentiate and evaluate verbal, non-verbal, and contextual communication styles across cultures and their implications for business interactions.
  • Analyze the influence of cultural bias, stereotypes, and perception on business relationships, negotiation, and decision-making.
  • Demonstrate cultural intelligence (CQ) by applying adaptation strategies, trust- building, and conflict resolution techniques in multicultural team settings.
  • Assess leadership approaches, team dynamics, and power structures within diverse organizational contexts.
  • Evaluate how cultural norms impact global marketing, management strategies, and cross-cultural business etiquette.
  • Reflect critically on personal intercultural competence and development through experiential learning and case study analysis.

Course Content & Topics:

Class 1: Introduction to Intercultural Business
Class 2: Cultural Frameworks and Value Dimensions
Class 3: Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Styles
Class 4: Stereotypes, Biases, and Perceptions
Class 5: Building Cultural Intelligence (CQ)
Class 6: Managing Multicultural Teams
Class 7: Cross-Cultural Negotiation and Decision-Making
Class 8: Leadership and Power in Global Contexts
Class 9: Cultural Norms in Global Marketing
Class 10: Cultural Norms in Global Management
Class 11: Conflict Resolution Across Cultures
Class 12: Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
Class 13: Personal Reflection & Cultural Adaptation Plans
Class 14: Final Project Presentations & Course Wrap-up

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic & International: $700 (Seven hundred dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005 Programs & Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)