HR9782 - Cross Cultural Organisational Behaviour

What will I learn on this module?

The module aims to develop your theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of cross-cultural behaviour at work. Cross-cultural organisational behaviour refers to organisational behaviour in different cultural contexts. You will learn a wide range of research-based theories and practice related to cross-cultural organisational behaviour. These include topics such as, cross cultural psychology theories (e.g. Hofstede, Childs, Trompenaars, etc); organisational environments and complexities in international business environments; expatriation and repatriation; employee motivation and managerial environment; global leadership and cultural competence; managing change, communication and negotiations across cultures; managing multicultural and bi-cultural individuals; cross cultural teams and knowledge exchange in in person, hybrid and dispersed settings; diversity and inclusion in global MNCs, etc. Given the challenges associated with cross-cultural work we will also discuss the role of IT in facilitating cross-cultural understanding but also issues around health and well-being.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, seminars, directed and independent study which are designed to develop and engage in a critical reflection of your knowledge, understanding, skills and values related to the subject. You will be part of a diverse cohort of students working collaboratively through practice, learning from each other as well as from academic staff delivering the module. The taught element of the module will be delivered through lectures and seminars delivered by academic staff with subject specialist knowledge and research interest. The module will include interactive elements that enable you to enhance your understanding and test your learning, thereby facilitating formative feedback. Furthermore, it will include experiential learning methods to increase personal and professional development. Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of e-learning platforms. Independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the specialist subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, and research.

The module is supported by online reading lists that provide simplified access to various electronic, digital and hard copy sources. The Teaching and Learning Plan of the module will outline the details of the tutor-delivered sessions, together with tutor directed study and independent reading.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported on this module by the academic staff delivering the timetabled lecture and seminar sessions. Within the seminar sessions on-going tutor-student interactions and discussions around the activities undertaken will support you in your studies. Guidance will be given on the nature of work to be undertaken either through the Teaching and Learning Plan or through specific instruction related to a particular task via the module electronic platform (eLP). The module electronic platform (eLP) site will also contain materials and aids related to the formal scheduled teaching sessions which will facilitate your independent study; this will include the some recorded information and materials needed in preparation for workshop sessions.

A comprehensive electronic reading list will be provided to support you academically. This list will contain relevant academic books, reports, journal articles and conference papers which will provide helpful guidance helpful support in enhancing your learning on the subject.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will develop theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of cross-cultural behaviour at work [MLO 1]

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. You will develop the skills required to work effectively in culturally diverse teams [MLO 2]
3. You will develop your ability to analyse cross-cultural behaviour and communicate complex issues effectively in a global/cross-cultural context [MLO 3]

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will develop cultural awareness and the inter-personal and intra-personal skills required to work effectively in a global/cross-cultural context [MLO 4]
5. You will be able to critically reflect on your own ethical values cross-cultural organisational behaviour [MLO 5]

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will be carried out on a continuous basis within the seminars and experiential learning activities. In addition to tutor feedback on progress on the seminar and experiential learning exercises you will have the opportunity to discuss your individual progress and ideas.

Summative assessment. This assessment will be submitted with two parts:

Part 1: A 2000-word report based on individual research and a critically analysis of a topic relevant to cross-cultural organisational behaviour (60%). [MLOs 1 to 4]

Part 2: A 1000-word self-reflection on the relevance of cross-cultural skills and communication for teamwork and the student’s future career, how they were acquired during the module and how they relate to individual ethical values of the student (40%). [MLO 1 to 5]

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Cross-cultural Organisational Behaviour refers to organisational behaviour in different cultural contexts. This module will prepare you to work in global and culturally diverse organisations. It will prepare you to work with people from various cultural backgrounds and across borders. The theoretical knowledge acquired in this module will enable you to critically analyse and improve the practices of global and multicultural organisations. In this module, you will actively engage in research rich learning by carrying out research to solve problems, critically engaging with journal articles, and by critically evaluating real world examples informed by current research and practice. The module sessions will incorporate interactive elements that enable you to enhance your understanding and test your learning, thereby facilitating formative feedback. Your experiences on this module will assist with the development of your ambitions and capabilities that are important for your employment potentials beyond graduation.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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