University of Denver

MGMT 2700/4700: Culturally Diverse Teams … in Action

Spring Interterm in Mexico, 2004

(4 credits)

Course Description:

This course will address the difficulties that often occur in workplace situations where people with cultural differences must work and learn together -- interdependently. Participants will learn the advantages and disadvantages of culturally diverse teams and how to value uniqueness and differences in people, process and place. This course provides an experiential forum for developing intercultural understanding, cross-cultural competence and performance improvement in culturally diverse settings.

Participants will experience an intensive 6-day program that will provide them with an opportunity to work, to learn and to live in a culturally diverse team setting. Participant teams will be involved in trip planning and meal preparation. Training in basic sea kayaking and navigation will be included.

Texts:

1. Cultural Intelligence; by Brooks Peterson, Intercultural Press, 2004

2. Culturally Diverse Teams, An Experiential Approach; by Gary Ostwald, Diversity Press, 2004

Objectives:

In this course, you will:

1. Develop intercultural understanding, cross-cultural competence and performance improvement in culturally diverse settings.

2. Learn strategies to overcome barriers and build productive relationships with people who are different from you

3. Learn to channel diverse talents, viewpoints and experiences toward building culturally diverse teams that enhance creativity, innovation, and performance.

4. Investigate various methods of developing and managing effective teams and how cultural diversity affects team behavior.

5. Help create an exciting and engaging learning environment that encourages self-assessment, skill development, and an appreciation of diversity.

6. Learn basic sea kayaking and navigation skills.

Student Evaluation

1. Participation and Performance in Class 20 points
2. Individual Presentations 10 points
3. Team Presentations (in Class and at DU) 30 points
4. Personal and Professional Learning Journal 10 points
5. Personal and Professional Application Paper 30 points
_________
100 points

Note: Please read as much of the text and participant guide as possible prior to the first day of class

Class Participation:

This will be based on your contribution to helping the class meet the course objectives. Involvement in the experiential exercises, attitude toward the course, contribution to class discussions, and completing the required readings are part of effective class participation. This class will be more enjoyable and beneficial with active, lively and informed discussion.

Group Presentation

Select one specific aspect of cultural diversity from the course (e. g. Asian differences, cognitive diversity, age, disability, etc.) Prepare and present a very interactive and informative presentation (30-40 minutes) that briefly summarizes the topic and applies the concept(s) to your experiences working on culturally diverse teams. Each presentation must include a class discussion component.

Personal Application Paper

This will be completed after the 6-day program has ended. You will explore an area of interest regarding Culturally Diverse Teams … in Action, and improve your understanding of how that area of interest affects team performance, creativity or innovation. Your experiences during the 6-day program will be used to explain how your area of interest applies to an actual team situation. This paper will include an explanation of how you plan to apply your area of interest to work groups and teams that you may become a member of in the future. This paper needs to be 5-7 pages (longer for graduate students) and references to many of the course readings are required.

Learning Journal

A personal journal should be kept by you and used to record insights, lessons learned and other thoughts and feelings that arise during the 6-day program. Your instructor will read these and return them to you. They will be treated confidentially.

Individual Presentation

Complete the "Feeling Different Worksheet," working alone. Prepare a brief (3-4 min.) talk that uses your answers to the seven questions on this worksheet. Include an explanation of how your experience of "feeling different" can be used to build effective culturally diverse teams.