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Key Topics in Global Cross-Cultural Management

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Key Topics in Global Cross-Cultural Management

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the intersection of culture, context, and work motivation in global organizations.

  • Analyze ethical dilemmas and their resolutions in a cross-cultural context.

  • Apply theories of leadership and trust in diverse, multinational teams.

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Recently updated!

June 2026

Assessments

15 assignments

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the The Sage Handbook of Contemporary Cross-Cultural Management Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 15 modules in this course

This course offers an in-depth exploration of key topics in global cross-cultural management, providing professionals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of working in diverse, multicultural environments. Through comprehensive lessons, it examines critical areas such as global talent management, the influence of culture on work motivation, and the role of religion and ethics in shaping management practices across borders. Learners will engage with real-world case studies, reflexive chapters, and theoretical frameworks that blend practical and academic perspectives.

The course is designed to enhance your ability to manage teams and projects across various cultural contexts. It emphasizes effective communication, trust-building, and leadership strategies, all of which are essential for thriving in a globalized business world. By the end of this course, you will be equipped with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that arise from cultural diversity in management. With a focus on both theory and practice, this course is ideal for managers, leaders, and HR professionals aiming to build effective cross-cultural teams and improve their global leadership capabilities. This course is part two of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. This Specialization is based on the book, The Sage Handbook of Contemporary Cross-Cultural Management, by Betina Szkudlarek, Laurence Romani, Dan V. Caprar, and Joyce S. Copyright ©2020 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

This module explores how language shapes cross-cultural management practices, tracing the historical evolution of the field and examining key debates around language diversity in international business. Learners will investigate concepts such as linguascapes, the performative role of English, and methodological approaches to studying language in multinational contexts.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 40 minutes
  • Introduction7 minutes
  • Juncture 2 From 2011 to 2014: Gaining Momentum6 minutes
  • Key Concepts and Debates8 minutes
  • Focus on Language Diversity8 minutes
  • Methodological and Meta-Theoretical Considerations4 minutes
  • Languages as a Meeting Ground with Cross-Cultural Management Researchers7 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Language and Cross-Cultural Dynamics in Global Organizations16 minutes

This module explores the complexities of knowledge management across cultures by examining functionalist, interpretive, and critical perspectives. Learners will compare how different discourses define and approach knowledge, and evaluate strategies for effective knowledge transfer in diverse organizational contexts.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
7 readingsTotal 43 minutes
  • Introduction3 minutes
  • Knowledge Management: Diverse Definitions3 minutes
  • Knowledge Management from Functionalist Perspective10 minutes
  • Summary and Missing Links4 minutes
  • Knowledge Management from an Interpretive Perspective8 minutes
  • Summary and Missing Links9 minutes
  • Summary and Missing Links6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Knowledge Management16 minutes

This module explores the complexities of managing talent in multinational organizations, examining key theories, strategic approaches, and the evolving challenges of global talent management. Learners will gain insights into the development of global leadership, the influence of various theoretical perspectives, and emerging trends in the field.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 39 minutes
  • Introduction4 minutes
  • Key Talent Management Streams of Thought Which Influence GTM8 minutes
  • The Emergence of GTM10 minutes
  • GTM – Theoretical Perspectives6 minutes
  • Global Leadership Talent6 minutes
  • Future Research Directions5 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Global Talent Management Fundamentals16 minutes

This module explores how ethical dilemmas arise in cross-cultural management, examining both comparative and intercultural perspectives on culture. Learners will investigate key ethical theories and frameworks, and consider how cultural differences shape ethical decision-making in global business contexts. The module also highlights emerging research directions at the intersection of culture and business ethics.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 40 minutes
  • Introduction4 minutes
  • The Comparative Perspective4 minutes
  • The Intercultural Perspective9 minutes
  • Ethical Theories Spanning across the Field7 minutes
  • Inherent Differences between the Comparative and Intercultural Research Streams5 minutes
  • Implications for Future Research11 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Ethical Frameworks in Global Business16 minutes

This module explores how religion influences cross-cultural management by examining three key theoretical approaches. Learners will gain insight into the implications of religious diversity for organizational practices and strategies. The module also highlights current research gaps and suggests directions for future study in this emerging field.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
7 readingsTotal 39 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Three Approaches to Religion and Cross-Cultural Management5 minutes
  • Approaches to Religion in Cross-Cultural Management Research7 minutes
  • The Cultural–Social Approach to Religion in Cross-Cultural Management Research5 minutes
  • The Metaphysical–Theological Approach to Religion in Cross-Cultural Management Research7 minutes
  • Conclusion4 minutes
  • Suggestions for Future Research5 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Religion and Cross-Cultural Management Perspectives16 minutes

This module explores how cross-cultural management and diversity management intersect within global organizations, examining both the tensions and opportunities that arise. Learners will analyze real-world cases and major research paradigms to understand how different theoretical perspectives shape workforce strategies. By engaging with multiple paradigms, students will gain tools to critically assess and enhance diversity initiatives in international contexts.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
8 readingsTotal 35 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Challenges in Integrating DM and CCM – The Case of an International Restructure4 minutes
  • Major Research Traditions Inspiring CCM and DM5 minutes
  • The Interpretive Paradigm3 minutes
  • The Radical Humanist Paradigm4 minutes
  • The Radical Structuralist Paradigm3 minutes
  • Back to Our Case: Using the Multiplicity of CCM and DM4 minutes
  • Creative Dialogues on Commonalities and Tensions6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Exploring Cross-Cultural and Diversity Management Theories16 minutes

This module explores how academic and institutional forces shape the production of cross-cultural management knowledge in business schools worldwide. Learners will investigate the societal, cultural, and political conditions influencing research, and consider alternative approaches to foster inclusivity and innovation in the field.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
4 readingsTotal 28 minutes
  • Introduction5 minutes
  • Conditions of Academic Knowledge Production4 minutes
  • Cross-Cultural Management as a Reflection of Contemporary Academia11 minutes
  • Searching for Alternatives and Resisting Hegemony?8 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Global Perspectives in Management Research16 minutes

This module explores the concept of cultural identity and its significance in cross-cultural management, drawing on perspectives from psychology, intercultural communication, and other social sciences. Learners will examine how cultural identity has been defined, debated, and applied in both historical and contemporary contexts, especially in light of globalization and workforce mobility. By the end, participants will gain a nuanced understanding of how cultural identity shapes organizational and interpersonal dynamics.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 38 minutes
  • Introduction5 minutes
  • What is Cultural Identity for CCM?5 minutes
  • How Has Cultural Identity been Framed in Various Disciplines and What can CCM Scholars Learn from them?3 minutes
  • Psychology and Cultural Identity11 minutes
  • Intercultural Communication Studies and Cultural Identity6 minutes
  • What Comprises Cultural Identity in Today's Context of Globalization, Migration, and Workforce Mobility?8 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Exploring Cultural Identity and Cross-Cultural Dynamics16 minutes

This module explores how cultural and contextual factors influence work motivation, examining both national and personal values and their impact on workplace behavior. Learners will investigate major cross-cultural motivation theories, methodological challenges in research, and the limitations of current approaches. By the end, you will gain a nuanced understanding of how motivation operates across diverse cultural settings.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
8 readingsTotal 44 minutes
  • Introduction4 minutes
  • Research Topics in Cross-Cultural Work Motivation5 minutes
  • Personal Work Values and Motivation6 minutes
  • Motivation Theories Applied Globally6 minutes
  • Contextual Influences on Motivation5 minutes
  • Limitations on Current Research and Theory Development7 minutes
  • Methodological Limitations5 minutes
  • Conclusion: Moving Forward6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Cultural Dimensions and Work Motivation16 minutes

This module explores how cultural backgrounds influence workplace communication, examining foundational theories and research approaches in intercultural communication. Learners will investigate the historical development of the field, compare positivist, interpretive, and critical perspectives, and consider current and future challenges in cross-cultural management. Practical strategies for effective collaboration across cultures are also discussed.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
7 readingsTotal 38 minutes
  • Introduction5 minutes
  • Historical Foundations of the Field of Intercultural Communication4 minutes
  • Positivistic Approaches28 minutes
  • Interpretive Approaches6 minutes
  • Critical Approaches4 minutes
  • The Business and Societal Challenges Facing Intercultural Communication Research5 minutes
  • A Future-Focused Agenda for the Field of Intercultural Communication6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication Theories16 minutes

This module explores how trust operates within cross-cultural management, examining its mechanisms at individual, team, and organizational levels. Learners will analyze the complexities of building and maintaining trust across different cultural backgrounds and discover practical strategies for fostering effective international collaboration.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 37 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • A Conceptual Categorization of Trust Research in an International Context9 minutes
  • Interactional Research5 minutes
  • The Impact of Culture on Different Levels of Trust Interactions6 minutes
  • The Team Level5 minutes
  • The Inter-Organizational Level6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Trust and Cultural Interactions in Management16 minutes

This module explores how cultural factors shape the dynamics and effectiveness of multicultural teams. Learners will examine conceptual models of team context, analyze the roles of culture as both a main effect and moderator, and consider recommendations for expanding definitions of culture and diversity in team research.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 44 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Culture as Context (C)7 minutes
  • How Culture Matters in MCT Research11 minutes
  • Outcomes (O)4 minutes
  • Recommendation 1: Expanded Conceptualizations of Culture6 minutes
  • Recommendation 2: Expanded Conceptualization of Diversity10 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Cross-Cultural Teamwork Insights16 minutes

This module explores how leadership behaviors and frameworks differ across cultures, drawing on major comparative studies such as the GLOBE project. Learners will examine the influence of culture on leadership effectiveness, review research methodologies, and consider practical implications for global leadership practice.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 35 minutes
  • Introduction7 minutes
  • Comparative Leadership Studies3 minutes
  • Focal Countries4 minutes
  • The Way Forward9 minutes
  • Implications for Practice5 minutes
  • Recommendations for a New Research Agenda7 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Cross-Cultural Leadership Insights16 minutes

This module explores the emergence and evolution of global leadership as a distinct field, highlighting its unique competencies, research domains, and societal impact. Learners will examine the differences between global and traditional leadership, review key research trends, and consider the role of global leaders in addressing complex business and societal challenges.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
6 readingsTotal 34 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • The Distinction Between Global and Traditional Leadership7 minutes
  • Progress within the GL Field4 minutes
  • Mapping Approaches to the Study of GL5 minutes
  • Business and Societal Challenges and Global Leadership6 minutes
  • Addressing Grand Challenges and Driving Societal Impact with GL6 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Exploring the Evolution of Global Leadership16 minutes

This module explores how cultural differences shape management practices, communication, and teamwork in global organizations. Learners will examine foundational theories such as Hofstede's cultural dimensions, the evolution of cross-cultural management research, and emerging perspectives on culture and trust. The module also addresses practical implications for global leadership and the mechanisms through which culture influences organizational outcomes.

What's included

1 video8 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute
  • Overview1 minute
8 readingsTotal 43 minutes
  • Introduction6 minutes
  • Inflection Points6 minutes
  • New Perspectives on Culture5 minutes
  • Contents of this Part of the Handbook6 minutes
  • Trust6 minutes
  • Global Leadership4 minutes
  • The Future6 minutes
  • Mechanism of Cultural Influence4 minutes
1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes
  • Exploring Cross-Cultural Management Research16 minutes

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