The course examines the complex relationship between language, communication and culture and equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how the cultural backgrounds of communication partners influence communication and interaction processes in business settings.

The course covers several topic areas. In the introductory part of the course, different concepts of culture and communication and their interdependence are discussed. Students are also introduced to various communication theories and models as well as to some important issues in intercultural business communication, such as rapport management, linguistic and cultural diversity, impression management, multilingualism and language management. By drawing on authentic examples of communicative events and texts (e.g. advertisements, job interviews, job application documents), various aspects of cross-cultural advertising and recruitment practices will be examined from a linguistic and communicative point of view. In addition, a special emphasis is placed on multilingualism and multiculturalism in organizations. In particular, students will discuss a range of diverse measures within a specific language management strategy (e.g. lingua franca, intercomprehension and receptive multilingualism, the use of interpreting and translation services). There is also a session devoted to intercultural trainings where students will gain valuable insights into theoretical foundations of intercultural training and learn to evaluate the quality of various intercultural training offers.

After successful completion of the course, participants will be able to assess the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on business communication. Additionally, students will acquire the skills needed to make informed decisions about language management strategies in various international business contexts. As a result, students will be better prepared for today’s increasingly diverse and complex globalized business communication environment.

Students are expected to attend all timetabled classes (max. 1 absence)

- input (lecture style)

- discussion of case studies in groups

- home readings

- work on a group project

Assessment is based on the following components:

o In-class participation  20% ==> due to Corona counselling the instructor in preparation of the research project will count as in-class participation

o Response paper  (https://learn.wu.ac.at/open/tlac/homework#positionspapier ) (3000-4000 words)  40 %

The course reader includes several texts (including questions) from which students choose one in order to write a short paper (in a reflective and argumentative style).

o Group project (oral presentation & written summary)  40%

A group of 3-5 students will collaboratively work on a small research project (all group members will receive the same grade) on a topic related to the course (cf. part II in the Reader).

Mi 11-12 h,  D2 3.194 ==> Corona-bedingt per e-mail