Singapore University of Social Sciences

This course provides you with necessary knowledge on the complexity and importance of appreciating fundamental cultural differences between individuals and the implication of cultural differences in the workplace. Throughout time, from trading through the Silk Road between 130 B.C. until 1453 A.D., to the current globalisation of expatriation and migration, cross-cultural intelligence or XCQ has been a key building block of society. Being aware of cultural diversity and displaying sensitivity toward the cultural foci of other cultures both enhance our interactions with people from other cultures as well as our adaptability to another culture, whether it is localised (e.g., joining a new subculture), job-hopping to another workplace, or relocating to a different country. The aim of this course is to introduce you to the nuances of cross-cultural interaction, illuminate the hidden barriers to intercultural understanding that lurk in our cognitive interpretations of others, heighten your sensitivity to factors that lead to cross-cultural misunderstandings, in addition to reviewing coping and adapting strategies for reducing cross-cultural conflict. With the help of theories, concepts, social science findings and case studies, the key issues examined through this course include: - What is my cultural identity? - What does it mean to be culturally competent? - How can we adopt curiosity and an open mind to interact with others to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication? - How can we develop XCQ in the workplace?