Business English for Cross-cultural Communication from Coursera

This course aims to prepare you for working in an cross-cultural Business setting. We'll learn about common cross-cultural theories and how they are relevant to everyday business practices in a globalised world. By combining all of your vocabulary, reading, speaking, and writing skills that you acquired in the previous three courses, you will learn how language plays an important role in cross-cultural communication. You will also enhance your cross-cultural understanding and will be able to use vocabulary, tone and style, and spoken and written communication skills within a cross-cultural Business context. Skills learned in this course help prepare you to deliver the professional business presentation in the Capstone project.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

- identify possible cross-cultural issues and misunderstandings in communication

- apply strategies to overcome possible cross-cultural issues and misunderstandings in communication

- produce documents with an appropriate style for business communication purposes within a cross-cultural situation

- deliver a speech with an appropriate style for business communication purposes within a cross-cultural situation

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome module

Welcome to Week 1! This week, we will cover Module 1 where we introduce you to the objectives and structure of this Specialization and course.

What is culture?

Welcome to Week 2! This week we will cover Module 2 where we introduce you to basic cultural theories and language skills you will use in general cross-cultural business situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Culture and communication strategies

Welcome to Week 3! This week we will cover Module 3 where we introduce you to ways of cultural understanding can guide business communication strategies basic and the language skills you will use in general cross-cultural business situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Culture and management communication

Welcome to Week 4! This week we will cover Module 4 where we introduce you to common cultural frameworks used in the business world, how theories inform management in cross-cultural situations and language skills you will use in management situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Culture, application and ethics

Welcome to Week 5! This week we will cover Module 5 where we introduce you ways you might apply cultural frameworks to authentic workplace situations, business ethics in today's international worlds and the language skills you will use in these situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.

Concluding module

Welcome to Week 6! This week we will cover Module 6 where we will conclude the course and you will need to complete the final exam and post-course survey.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines culture, communication, and management, which are highly relevant to international business

Develops communication, writing, and public speaking skills, which are core skills for business

Taught by Sean McMinn, Delian Gaskell, Kin Tang, who are recognized for their work in business and communication

Builds a strong foundation for understanding cross-cultural communication in a business context

Provides strategies to overcome cross-cultural misunderstandings in communication

Explores cultural understanding as a guide for business communication strategies

Reviews summary

Great course for non-native speakers

Learners say Business English for Cross-cultural Communication is a great course for non-native English speakers.

Course is designed with non-native speakers in mind.

"great course for non native speakers"

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 Business English for Cross-cultural Communication with these activities:

Review presentation skills

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Ensure your presentations are given with confidence and clarity

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Identify areas where you need improvement
Consider taking an online course or workshop
Practice delivering short presentations to a friendly audience

Form a cross-cultural communication study group

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Collaborate with peers to enhance your understanding and practice

Browse courses on Cross-Cultural Communication

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Find peers who are also interested in improving their cross-cultural communication skills
Establish a regular meeting schedule and format
Discuss different cross-cultural communication issues and scenarios
Role-play different cross-cultural interactions

Design a cultural sensitivity training module

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Take your understanding of the topic to a new level by organizing and presenting it to others

Browse courses on Cross-Cultural Communication

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Research different cultural dimensions and communication styles
Develop interactive activities and simulations
Create a presentation or online module that can be used to train others

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Reach out to professionals with cross-cultural business experience

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Benefit from the experience and insights of professionals

Browse courses on Cross-Cultural Communication

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Identify potential mentors at networking events or industry conferences
Reach out via email or LinkedIn, requesting a coffee chat or informational interview
Prepare questions to ask about their cross-cultural business experiences and insights

Develop a business proposal for a cross-cultural collaboration

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Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario and demonstrate your understanding of cross-cultural business

Browse courses on Cross-Cultural Communication

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Identify a potential cross-cultural collaboration opportunity
Research the cultural backgrounds and business practices of the involved parties
Develop a business proposal that addresses the cultural differences and opportunities

Career center

Learners who complete Business English for Cross-cultural Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cross-Cultural Communication Consultant

Cross-Cultural Communication Consultants help businesses and organizations communicate effectively across cultures. This course would help you develop a deep understanding of the concepts and theories of cross-cultural communication. Additionally, it would provide you with practical tools to overcome the challenges of cross-cultural communication in the workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cross-Cultural Communication Consultant

International Business Manager

International Business Managers oversee the international operations of a company. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to grow the company's business in foreign markets. This course would help you develop a strong foundation in the principles of international business and cross-cultural communication, which would be essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Manager

Intercultural Trainer

Intercultural Trainers help individuals and organizations to develop the skills they need to communicate effectively across cultures. They provide training on cultural awareness, communication styles, and conflict resolution. This course would help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful Intercultural Trainer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intercultural Trainer

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad and work to build and maintain relationships with other countries. They are responsible for negotiating agreements, promoting their country's interests, and protecting their citizens. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Foreign Correspondent

Foreign Correspondents report on international news events for their home country's audience. They are responsible for gathering information, conducting interviews, and writing articles or producing broadcasts. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Correspondent

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources function of an organization. They are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. They also work to create and maintain a positive work environment. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a diverse workforce.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote their company's products or services. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, clients, and partners. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including team members, clients, and vendors. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating a sales team to achieve sales goals. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, clients, and partners. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global customer base.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and controlling the supply chain of an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global supply chain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their business processes and systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business users, IT professionals, and management. This course would help you develop the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help individuals and organizations make informed investment decisions. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including investors, clients, and management. This course may be useful for developing the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global clientele.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the IT systems of an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and vendors. This course may be useful for developing the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global team.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and controlling the operations of an organization. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers. This course may be useful for developing the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global team.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including users, developers, and management. This course may be useful for developing the cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for success in this role, particularly when working with a global team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer