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Cross-Cultural Virtual Spaces and Teams

Daniel Student and Dr. Cleveland Justis

Airplanes gave us the ability to travel across oceans to visit international team members. But virtual spaces are now bringing us together in an instant. New rules have been written, and as work-from-home is on the rise, re-written, and they bring their own unique cross-cultural challenges. We’ll discuss communication differences unique to text-driven spaces like email and instant message as well as the evolving world of video conferencing. We’ll explore unique cultural challenges brought up by this “new office”, such as the blending of private and public spaces, the “virtual water cooler” of informal virtual communication, and the “time zone dance” done by teams sharing virtual work done while one half is asleep. The future is now. Thanks to technological advances, we have an opportunity to show up, share our cultures, and build creative and innovative pathways to successful multinational teams. Let’s build best practices together in this virtual space and then work together to make them go viral!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started and How Virtual Spaces Change Communication
In this module, you will be able to discuss the benefits and challenges of written and verbal communication cues and be able to define how virtual communication has changed modern business communication. You'll be able to discover how people process information in the virtual space and be able to compare and contrast virtual communication with in-person communication. You will be able to specify the differences in virtual written communications versus verbal communication. And finally, you'll be able to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual tolls of communication as substitutes for in-person communications.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines cultural nuances in virtual communication, which is essential for successful remote teams
Taught by instructors Daniel Student and Dr. Cleveland Justis, who are experts in cross-cultural communication
Develops strategies for building relationships and fostering empathy in virtual teams
Explores the unique challenges and opportunities of virtual spaces for cross-cultural teams
Provides a framework for understanding cultural differences in virtual communication
Requires students to have strong communication and cultural awareness skills

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Reviews summary

Navigating virtual cross-cultural team dynamics

According to students, this course offers highly relevant insights into the complexities of cross-cultural virtual communication and team management. Learners consistently highlight its practical value, particularly in understanding communication differences across virtual platforms and navigating cultural nuances in remote work. While many find the instructor's explanations clear and engaging, a few reviews, particularly from experienced professionals, suggest some topics could benefit from more in-depth case studies or hands-on strategies, finding parts of the content foundational rather than advanced. The course is generally seen as providing a solid framework for professionals working in or managing global virtual teams.
Instructor effectively explains complex cross-cultural topics.
"The instructor explained complex concepts clearly and provided practical examples."
"The video lectures were engaging and easy to follow, making the learning process enjoyable."
"The instructor was knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which really came through."
Provides crucial insights for today's virtual teams.
"The content on communication differences in virtual spaces was incredibly relevant to my job."
"A solid course for anyone working remotely with international teams."
"This course is very relevant given today's work environment. The future is now, and this course prepares you for it."
Highlights critical areas like communication cues and cultural norms.
"I particularly appreciated the discussion on time zone management and cultural nuances in virtual settings."
"The concepts of public vs. private spaces in virtual teams were eye-opening and immediately applicable."
"The most valuable takeaway for me was realizing how subtle cultural differences impact virtual interactions."
Some learners desire more interactive elements and deeper discussions.
"I wished for more interactive exercises throughout the modules to apply the concepts learned."
"While the video lectures were informative, I felt there could be more opportunities for active participation and deeper dives."
"The forum discussions were good, but sometimes I wanted more interactive tools to put the lessons into practice."
Opinions vary on the depth of practical strategies offered.
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, and I was hoping for more hands-on strategies."
"While the topic is relevant, I felt it was too basic and didn't offer enough new insights for my experience level."
"I found the course extremely practical, giving me a solid framework for managing my global team effectively."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cross-Cultural Virtual Spaces and Teams with these activities:
Review Communication Theory
Recall your knowledge of communication theory to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Communication Theory
Show steps
  • Review fundamental concepts such as encoding, decoding, channels, and noise.
  • Consider the different types of communication, including verbal, nonverbal, and written.
  • Identify and examine communication models, such as the Shannon-Weaver model and the Schramm model.
  • Consider the factors that can affect communication, such as culture, context, and relationships.
Read Intercultural Communication: A Reader
Gain a deeper understanding of intercultural communication from a comprehensive textbook.
View Communication Between Cultures on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters focusing on topics such as cultural identity, communication styles, and conflict management.
  • Take notes to summarize key concepts and theories.
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Cross-Cultural Virtual Spaces and Teams will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Communication Manager
Understanding how to interact in virtual settings is a vital part of working as a Communication Manager. In many companies, a Communication Manager is the person who determines the most effective means of delivering important information to employees. With the help of this course that teaches the influence of culture on communication, you can become an effective Communication Manager. It is best suited for those who work for a multinational company or a company that deals with more than one culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Communication Manager
International Relations Manager
In this role, you're in charge of managing international relationships and working with professionals from around the world. This course can provide you with the guidance needed for navigating work relationships in virtual settings. It might even help you build relationships with potential clients. This course can help you understand the cultural differences in the ways in which people communicate.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Relations Manager
Global Business Consultant
As a Global Business Consultant, you'll work with businesses to help develop strategies for international expansion. By having a better understanding of the cultural challenges faced by virtual teams and the unique opportunities virtual spaces create for cross-cultural teams, companies can make better decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Global Business Consultant
Cultural Anthropologist
This course may be useful as a person who studies the behavior, origin, and development of human societies. Having an understanding of communication differences across cultures can help you gain a better understanding of a society or culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Anthropologist
Cross-Cultural Trainer
This course may be useful as a person who helps others learn about and adapt to different cultures. Many people work as cross-cultural trainers for companies to ease the transition for employees in global or international roles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cross-Cultural Trainer
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
A Diversity and Inclusion Manager creates a welcoming and inclusive work environment for employees from all backgrounds. This course can help build the foundational knowledge needed for developing diversity training and programs for virtual companies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager
International Business Development Manager
An International Business Development Manager develops and implements strategies to expand a company's presence in international markets. To be successful in this role, it is essential to understand and appreciate different cultures, an objective of this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Development Manager
Intercultural Communication Trainer
This course may be useful as a person who helps organizations and individuals navigate the challenges of intercultural communication. This course can help build foundational communication skills in text-driven spaces like email and instant message.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intercultural Communication Trainer
Expatriate Manager
This course may be useful as a person who manages and supports employees who are working in a foreign country. An understanding of cultural differences in communication can help you better manage and support your employees.
See salaries and explore the career path for Expatriate Manager
Language Access Coordinator
This course may be useful as a person who coordinates language access services for organizations. An understanding of cultural differences in communication can help you better understand the unique challenges faced by individuals who are not native speakers of English.
See salaries and explore the career path for Language Access Coordinator
Multimedia Artist
This course may be useful as a person who creates visual art, often using a combination of different media and techniques. It offers foundational knowledge on how to effectively communicate using different mediums. This is essential to success as a multimedia artist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist
Virtual Event Organizer
This course may be useful as a person who plans and executes virtual events. In virtual spaces, successful events require careful planning and execution to ensure that attendees have a positive experience, which this course can teach.
See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Event Organizer
Online Community Manager
This course may be useful as a person who manages online communities and builds relationships with community members. An understanding of the influence culture has on communication is helpful because online communities can have members from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
See salaries and explore the career path for Online Community Manager
Translator
This course may be useful as a person who translates written or spoken text from one language to another. It provides a helpful guide on how to effectively communicate in different cultures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Interpreter
This course may be useful as a person who interprets spoken or signed language from one language to another. In virtual meetings, it is important to effectively convey the tone and intent of the original speaker.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cross-Cultural Virtual Spaces and Teams.
Cover image
Remote, Inc.
Save
Offers practical advice on managing remote teams effectively and can supplement the course's discussions on building virtual workspaces.
Remote, Inc.: How to Thrive at Work . . . Wherever...
Hardcover
$$
Remote, Inc.: How to Thrive at Work . . . Wherever...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Penguin Readers Level 4: No Rules Rules (ELT Graded...
Save
Provides a framework for understanding cultural differences and can be used to enhance the course's exploration of cultural challenges in virtual teams.
Penguin Readers Level 4: No Rules Rules (ELT Graded...
Paperback
Check
Penguin Readers Level 4: No Rules Rules (ELT Graded...
Kindle Edition
Check
Communication Between Cultures
Save
Offers a collection of essays on intercultural communication theory and research, providing additional insights into the cultural dimensions explored in the course.
Communication Between Cultures
Paperback
$$
Communication Between Cultures
Paperback
$$$
Communication Between Cultures
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Corporate Universities: Lessons in Building a World...
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of virtual team management, providing additional insights into the course's discussions on team structure and collaboration.
Corporate Universities: Lessons in Building a World...
Paperback
Check
Corporate Universities: Lessons in Building a World...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Mind Your Manners
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of business etiquette and customs across cultures, enhancing the course's discussions on cultural differences in virtual communication.
Mind Your Manners: Managing Business Cultures in...
Paperback Bunko
$$$
Cover image
Leading with Cultural Intelligence
Save
Explores the concept of cultural intelligence and its importance in global business, complementing the course's focus on cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
Leading with Cultural Intelligence
Paperback
Check
Leading with Cultural Intelligence
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Davis
Instructors
Daniel Student
Dr. Cleveland Justis
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша tiếng Việt
This course belongs to a collection called Management of Multinational and Cross-Cultural Teams. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Leadership in Multinational, Cross-Cultural Teams
  2. Introduction to Multinational and Cross-Cultural Teams
  3. Cross-Cultural Virtual Spaces and Teams (viewing)
  4. Cross-Cultural Communication and Management
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines cultural nuances in virtual communication, which is essential for successful remote teams
Taught by instructors Daniel Student and Dr. Cleveland Justis, who are experts in cross-cultural communication
Develops strategies for building relationships and fostering empathy in virtual teams
Explores the unique challenges and opportunities of virtual spaces for cross-cultural teams
Provides a framework for understanding cultural differences in virtual communication
Requires students to have strong communication and cultural awareness skills
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