Directions for Final Project

1. Select two countries from the Hofstede website (recommendation: the US can be one country, especially if you will be working here). Refer to Modules 3 and 4 for Hofstede’s content.
2. Research each country’s cultural dimensions and note how particular leadership traits and styles may contribute to or inhibit cross-cultural leadership. A useful resource to provide context: MindTools: Hofstede Cultural Dimensions.

The purpose of this assignment is for emergent leaders to recognize the value of cultural intelligence and the capability to relate and work effectively in cross-cultural settings. Research questions to include as follows. NOTE: Keep responses concise/to the point. Example for first bullet: list historical contexts with brief, 4-5 sentence explanation/description.

• If you were leading team members from each country, what historical contexts can/may affect cross-cultural dynamics? Refer to Module 6.
• According to Hofstede, describe each country’s cultural dimensions (e.g. collective versus individual, feminine versus masculine).
• Based on these cultural dimensions, what are the potential differences in workplace values?
  Minimum 3 differences must be addressed. For example, in the US, initiative reflects one’s ability to make decisions quickly and effectively (i.e. individualism), but in China and Japan, both collectivist countries, a leader will be mindful of the in-group and strive to accomplish collective rather than individual goals.
• What are the cultural variations in non-verbal communication/body language (and how might they affect cross-cultural dynamics? Refer to Chapter 6 in the e-book to review concepts of silence and time, including linear versus flexible time.
• What are the potential language differences (if any) that may affect cross-cultural dynamics (i.e. language as a barrier due to translation problems, perception differences, linguistic relativism)? Example: refer to Chapter 5 in the e-book, the language perception situation between Jerry and Mingxia and Module 10 for language context).
• Reflecting on these cultural differences, as well as your leadership development, in general, what three leadership competencies would you utilize to lead cross-culturally? Refer/cite course elements (e.g. cultural iceberg, “getting on the balcony”, among many others).

Project submission: You will choose a mode to submit, whatever taps into your creativity, research acumen, and what’s useful or required for the professional realm. Upload final project submission via Module 15.

Sample project modes:

• PowerPoint
• Google Slides
• Prezi
• Detailed infographic
• Brochure and Report (templates in Microsoft WORD and Google Docs)

Final Project Grading

• Critical thinking: Depth of understanding, insight of content
• Project design: use of graphics, images, audio, and video clips to augment content.
• Citation(s): Substantiate written work with module and e-book content, as well as Hofstede and additional sources to augment.
• Mechanics: Correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and capitalization.