Students

MGMT8054 – Managing Cultural Diversity

2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Meena Chavan
meena.chavan@mq.edu.au
Contact via Office 02 98509026
Bldg 4ER Level 6 Room 625
Before and After class. Please email me for an appointment
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(MGMT6051 or ECON6049 or MKTG6096) and 10cp at 8000 level)) or MGMT8009 or (Admission to MLabAQMgt or GradCertResBus or GradDipResBus)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

To succeed in a globalised business environment, it is imperative for managers to develop a global mindset as a leader and understand contemporary approaches to leading and managing in culturally diverse environments. Cultural Intelligence and cross-cultural
communication are key inclusive leadership traits that enable managers to effectively implement and accomplish strategies and tactics in international assignments, and to engage and manage global teams. Core objectives of this unit are to enhance cultural intelligence and cross- cultural communication competence to impart an understanding of how cultural diversity affects managerial behaviour and processes. The unit prepares students to be global minded leaders with cultural intelligence, which is valued as a highly appreciated skill set by future employers. The unit utilises a range of assessments such as simulations, experiential exercises, forums, reflective tasks, case studies, presentations and group activities in order to synthesise students' understanding of cross-cultural theories and their ability to apply their learning in global business settings.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Evaluate and analyse the diversity of cultures and its implications as they relate to business management and examine the intricacy of operating through group interactions in the global market.
  • ULO2: Appraise the multicultural ‘big picture’ in which global trade and government forces operate and interpret the major culture-based challenges (political, social, legal, economic and technological) faced by international managers.
  • ULO3: Identify and describe major cultural characteristics including communication styles that characterise regions, nations, communities, organisations, group and individuals.
  • ULO4: Apply professional and reflective practice to individual and group learning and communication

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Skills Development: Reflection on Individual Engagement 30% No 25.10.25 @11.55pm
Skills Development: Persuasive Communication 30% No Weekly
Professional Practice: Assessing Global Opportunities 40% No 3.11.25 @ 11.55pm

Skills Development: Reflection on Individual Engagement

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 25.10.25 @11.55pm
Weighting: 30%

 

The purpose of this assessment is for you to critically reflect on your engagement and contributions during seminars, and to develop a structured plan for your future learning and professional development.

You will identify and analyse your contributions, evaluate your impact on group discussions and activities, and articulate your plans for continued growth, supported by evidence and artefacts from your learning journey.

Skills in focus:

  • Work readiness
  • Communication
  • Discipline knowledge

Deliverable: Written report [1000 max. words, excluding supporting materials in appendices].

Individual assessment

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate and analyse the diversity of cultures and its implications as they relate to business management and examine the intricacy of operating through group interactions in the global market.
  • Identify and describe major cultural characteristics including communication styles that characterise regions, nations, communities, organisations, group and individuals.
  • Apply professional and reflective practice to individual and group learning and communication

Skills Development: Persuasive Communication

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 30%

 

The purpose of this assessment is to develop your ability to apply theories and concepts to real and hypothetical management scenarios, enhancing your communication and collaboration skills, and increasing your disciplinary knowledge.

You will work in teams to analyse a case study, applying relevant models and empirical evidence to demonstrate your understanding and propose recommendations in a clear and engaging presentation.

Skills in focus:

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Discipline knowledge

Deliverable: Presentation with accompanying slides and speakers' notes.

Individual and group assessment

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate and analyse the diversity of cultures and its implications as they relate to business management and examine the intricacy of operating through group interactions in the global market.
  • Appraise the multicultural ‘big picture’ in which global trade and government forces operate and interpret the major culture-based challenges (political, social, legal, economic and technological) faced by international managers.
  • Apply professional and reflective practice to individual and group learning and communication

Professional Practice: Assessing Global Opportunities

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 3.11.25 @ 11.55pm
Weighting: 40%

 

The purpose of this assessment is to develop your ability to assess international business opportunities and navigate cultural diversity in global markets.

You will investigate a company’s internationalization journey and prepare a feasibility report recommending expansion into a new country, drawing on scholarly literature and secondary evidence.

Skills in focus:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Work readiness
  • Discipline knowledge

Deliverable: Written report [max 2,500 words].

Individual assessment

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Appraise the multicultural ‘big picture’ in which global trade and government forces operate and interpret the major culture-based challenges (political, social, legal, economic and technological) faced by international managers.
  • Identify and describe major cultural characteristics including communication styles that characterise regions, nations, communities, organisations, group and individuals.
  • Apply professional and reflective practice to individual and group learning and communication

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Please refer to the Unit ilearn page for details on the delivery and resources for assesments and  workshop activities.

Unit Schedule

Unit Schedule

Unit Schedule 2025, Session II

 

Week

Lecture: Topic and Reading

1

Evaluating the Global Business Environment

CLASS CASE DISCUSSION: THE EUROPEAN UNION VERSUS INDONESIA: AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRADE WAR  PAGE 56

2

Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, Sustainability

CLASS CASE DISCUSSION: ENRICH NOT EXPLOIT: CAN NEW CSR STRATEGY

HELP BODY SHOP REGAIN GLORY? PAGE 92

3 

How Cultural Factors Affect Management

CASE STUDY 1: NESTLE – ELIMINATING MODERN SLAVERY FROM SUPPLY

CHAINS PAGE 91

4

Practicalities and Culture in International Business: Cross-Cultural Communication

CASE STUDY 2: CROSS-CULTURAL CHALLENGES FOR A SINGAPOREAN

EXPATRIATE IN ZURICH PAGE 198

5

GUEST LECTURE: Decision-making and Negotiating Across Cultures

CASE STUDY 3: ITALY’S D&G IN CHINA: FASHION SHOW CANCELLED IN

SHANGHAI FOLLOWING SCANDAL PAGE 164

6

Organizing for Global Operations: Emerging Markets

CASE STUDY 4: ANUJ PATHAK RETURNS TO INDIA PAGE 199

7

Managing Diversity in Markets, Transportation, and Distribution Channels

CASE STUDY 5: COMING TO  AMERICA: A SUCCESSFUL JAPANESE

ACQUISITION IN GLOBAL BUSINESS PAGE 303

8

Comprehending Cross-Cultural Trade Barriers, Trading Blocs, and International Organizations

CASE STUDY 6: THE NETHERLAND SURPRISES EU RIVALS IN THE RACE FOR

BREXIT SPOILS PAGE 241

9

EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITY 

CASE STUDY 7: ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY: NORMALIZING RELATIONS BETWEEN

 THE UAE AND ISRAEL PAGE  196

10

Cross Cultural  Teams & Diversity in International Business Risks and Payments

CASE STUDY 8:  HOW TO BRINGCROSS CULTURAL TOGETHER  PAGE 391

11

Cross-Cultural Leadership

CASE STUDY 9: IKEA’S CHALLENGES IN RUSSIA PAGE INTEGRATIVE CASES

PC 5-1 END OF THE TEXTBOOK

12

Cross border Legalities in International Business

CASE STUDY 10: SINGAPORE RELOCATION SECURED WITH AN ICE CREAM AND

A LOW TAX RATE PAGE 363

13

Review Lecture

CASE STUDY 11:  ALLIANCES ARE MORE CRUCIAL FOR AUTOMAKERS' SURVIVAL BUT CAN THEY WORK TOGETHER? PAGE 299

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

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Unit information based on version 2025.05 of the Handbook