Key Topics in Global Cross-Cultural Management
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Key Topics in Global Cross-Cultural Management
This course is part of The Sage Handbook of Contemporary Cross-Cultural Management Specialization
Instructor: Sage Instructors
Included with
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
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.
Details to know
June 2026
15 assignments
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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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Introduction•7 minutes
- Juncture 2 From 2011 to 2014: Gaining Momentum•6 minutes
- Key Concepts and Debates•8 minutes
- Focus on Language Diversity•8 minutes
- Methodological and Meta-Theoretical Considerations•4 minutes
- Languages as a Meeting Ground with Cross-Cultural Management Researchers•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Language and Cross-Cultural Dynamics in Global Organizations•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 43 minutes
- Introduction•3 minutes
- Knowledge Management: Diverse Definitions•3 minutes
- Knowledge Management from Functionalist Perspective•10 minutes
- Summary and Missing Links•4 minutes
- Knowledge Management from an Interpretive Perspective•8 minutes
- Summary and Missing Links•9 minutes
- Summary and Missing Links•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Knowledge Management•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 39 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Key Talent Management Streams of Thought Which Influence GTM•8 minutes
- The Emergence of GTM•10 minutes
- GTM – Theoretical Perspectives•6 minutes
- Global Leadership Talent•6 minutes
- Future Research Directions•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Global Talent Management Fundamentals•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 40 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- The Comparative Perspective•4 minutes
- The Intercultural Perspective•9 minutes
- Ethical Theories Spanning across the Field•7 minutes
- Inherent Differences between the Comparative and Intercultural Research Streams•5 minutes
- Implications for Future Research•11 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Ethical Frameworks in Global Business•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 39 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Three Approaches to Religion and Cross-Cultural Management•5 minutes
- Approaches to Religion in Cross-Cultural Management Research•7 minutes
- The Cultural–Social Approach to Religion in Cross-Cultural Management Research•5 minutes
- The Metaphysical–Theological Approach to Religion in Cross-Cultural Management Research•7 minutes
- Conclusion•4 minutes
- Suggestions for Future Research•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Religion and Cross-Cultural Management Perspectives•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
8 readings•Total 35 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Challenges in Integrating DM and CCM – The Case of an International Restructure•4 minutes
- Major Research Traditions Inspiring CCM and DM•5 minutes
- The Interpretive Paradigm•3 minutes
- The Radical Humanist Paradigm•4 minutes
- The Radical Structuralist Paradigm•3 minutes
- Back to Our Case: Using the Multiplicity of CCM and DM•4 minutes
- Creative Dialogues on Commonalities and Tensions•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Exploring Cross-Cultural and Diversity Management Theories•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
4 readings•Total 28 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Conditions of Academic Knowledge Production•4 minutes
- Cross-Cultural Management as a Reflection of Contemporary Academia•11 minutes
- Searching for Alternatives and Resisting Hegemony?•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Global Perspectives in Management Research•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 38 minutes
- Introduction•5 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 Identity•11 minutes
- Intercultural Communication Studies and Cultural Identity•6 minutes
- What Comprises Cultural Identity in Today's Context of Globalization, Migration, and Workforce Mobility?•8 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Exploring Cultural Identity and Cross-Cultural Dynamics•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
8 readings•Total 44 minutes
- Introduction•4 minutes
- Research Topics in Cross-Cultural Work Motivation•5 minutes
- Personal Work Values and Motivation•6 minutes
- Motivation Theories Applied Globally•6 minutes
- Contextual Influences on Motivation•5 minutes
- Limitations on Current Research and Theory Development•7 minutes
- Methodological Limitations•5 minutes
- Conclusion: Moving Forward•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Cultural Dimensions and Work Motivation•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
7 readings•Total 38 minutes
- Introduction•5 minutes
- Historical Foundations of the Field of Intercultural Communication•4 minutes
- Positivistic Approaches2•8 minutes
- Interpretive Approaches•6 minutes
- Critical Approaches•4 minutes
- The Business and Societal Challenges Facing Intercultural Communication Research•5 minutes
- A Future-Focused Agenda for the Field of Intercultural Communication•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Exploring Cross-Cultural Communication Theories•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 37 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- A Conceptual Categorization of Trust Research in an International Context•9 minutes
- Interactional Research•5 minutes
- The Impact of Culture on Different Levels of Trust Interactions•6 minutes
- The Team Level•5 minutes
- The Inter-Organizational Level•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Trust and Cultural Interactions in Management•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 44 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Culture as Context (C)•7 minutes
- How Culture Matters in MCT Research•11 minutes
- Outcomes (O)•4 minutes
- Recommendation 1: Expanded Conceptualizations of Culture•6 minutes
- Recommendation 2: Expanded Conceptualization of Diversity•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Cross-Cultural Teamwork Insights•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 35 minutes
- Introduction•7 minutes
- Comparative Leadership Studies•3 minutes
- Focal Countries•4 minutes
- The Way Forward•9 minutes
- Implications for Practice•5 minutes
- Recommendations for a New Research Agenda•7 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Cross-Cultural Leadership Insights•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
6 readings•Total 34 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- The Distinction Between Global and Traditional Leadership•7 minutes
- Progress within the GL Field•4 minutes
- Mapping Approaches to the Study of GL•5 minutes
- Business and Societal Challenges and Global Leadership•6 minutes
- Addressing Grand Challenges and Driving Societal Impact with GL•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Exploring the Evolution of Global Leadership•16 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 video•Total 1 minute
- Overview•1 minute
8 readings•Total 43 minutes
- Introduction•6 minutes
- Inflection Points•6 minutes
- New Perspectives on Culture•5 minutes
- Contents of this Part of the Handbook•6 minutes
- Trust•6 minutes
- Global Leadership•4 minutes
- The Future•6 minutes
- Mechanism of Cultural Influence•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 16 minutes
- Exploring Cross-Cultural Management Research•16 minutes
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