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MGMT8054 – Managing Cultural Diversity

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Associate Professor
Meena Chavan
meena.chavan@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
4 Eastern Road, Level 6, Room 625
After class on Wednesday 11pm to 12pm
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(MGMT6051 or ECON6049 or MKTG6096) and 10cp at 8000 level)) or MGMT8009 or (Admission to MLabAQMgt or GradCertResMQBS or GradDipResMQBS)
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 Submission Penalties

If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

Example 1 (out of 100):

If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

Example 2 (out of 30):

If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

Extensions

Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Skills development: Persuasive communication 30% No Weekly Individual and Group No Observed
Professional practice: Assessing global opportunities 40% No 25/05/2026 Individual Yes Open AI
Skills development: Reflection on individual engagement 30% No 15/05/2026 Individual Yes Open AI

Skills development: Persuasive communication

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

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 skills
  • Collaboration skills
  • Discipline knowledge

 

Deliverable(s): Presentation (max 30 min per group) 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: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 25/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI

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(s): Written report [max 2500 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

Skills development: Reflection on individual engagement

Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 15/05/2026
Weighting: 30%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open AI

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 skills
  • Discipline knowledge

 

Deliverable(s): Written report [max 1000 words], excluding supporting materials and 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

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
  • Academic Success 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.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Please refer to the unit ilearn space for instructions on delivery and resources for assessments and workshop activities.

Unit Schedule

Unit Schedule

Unit Schedule 2026, Session I

 

Week

Lecture: Topic and Reading

1

Evaluating the Global Business Environment

2

Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, Sustainability

CASE STUDY: MTV NETWORKS: THE ARABIAN CHALLENGE

3 

How Cultural Factors Affect Management

CASE STUDY: ACCENTURE’S CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS

4

Practicalities and Culture in International Business: Cross-Cultural Communication

CASE STUDY: L’ORÉAL MASTERS MULTICULTURALISM

5

GUEST LECTURE: Decision-making and Negotiating Across Cultures

CASE STUDY: SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER IN JAPAN- OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES AND CULTURE

6

Organizing for Global Operations: Emerging Markets

CASE STUDY: OFFSHORING: WHERE SHOULD KINDY BIS MAKE ITS SOCKS?

7

Managing Diversity in Markets, Transportation, and Distribution Channels

CASE STUDY: BONAZZI: INDO JOINT VENTURE: CULTURE CLASH OR PURE ECONOMICS.

8

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

CASE STUDY: CLASH OF MOBILITY: MANAGING EXPATRIATES IN A

GLOBALIZING CHINESE COMPANY

9

EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITY 

CASE STUDY:  PRIVATIZATION OF THE TIGER LEAPING HOUSE IN NANJING PRC

10

Cross Cultural  Teams & Diversity in International Business Risks and Payments            

CASE STUDY: HOW TO BRING CROSS CULTURAL TEAMS TOGETHER  PAGE 391

11

Cross-Cultural Leadership

CASE STUDY: LG: DISPLAY WROCLAW: CREATING A WORKPLACE OF JOY

12

Cross border Legalities in International Business

CASE STUDY: GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN A DYNAMIC AND EVOLVING REGION: MOINAS@THE COCA COLA COMPANY

13

Review Lecture

CASE STUDY: SINGAPORE RELOCATION SECURED WITH AN ICE CREAM AND

A LOW TAX RATE PAGE 363

 

 

 

 

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Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook