Teaching International Business as an Opportunity to Develop Cultural Sensitivity

ABSTRACT

Business program graduates are expected to perform with cultural sensitivity in international and intercultural professional environments. In order to support student development of the necessary mindset, a variety of assignments and activities have been integrated into the undergraduate International Business (IB) course. This article describes several types of exercises that can be used by anyone teaching this course or one where cultural sensitivity is an important component. No quantitative data are presented, nor are any claims made to the efficacy of these assignments. But student comments point to increased cultural sensitivity and a better understanding of the issues of globalization.

KEYWORDS:

• International business (IB)
• Cultural sensitivity
• Globalization
• Cross-cultural awareness

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ellen J. Frank

Ellen J. Frank, PhD, has a BA in mathematics from Queens College, CUNY and a MS and PhD from Purdue University in Industrial Psychology. She has traveled widely (54 countries) as well as taught management courses abroad, which have provided her personal experiences with cultural differences.