International summer school 2023

Intercultural Differences
A Challenge & an Opportunity

  3rd > 14th July
Highlights
Application & Fees
Programme
Comfort Pack

Programme

Table of contents

    Content Outline

    Interbiz 2023 will introduce you to cross-cultural issues faced by managers of international teams and the benefits of a diverse workforce.

    You will learn cultural characteristics of different nationalities and gain an understanding of the differences and challenges of working together in an international setting. You will learn about international economics and the characteristics of a multi-country regional economic community.

    Your seminar learning will be completed with an assessed group project where you put your learning into action.

    • 31 h — Lectures, workshops & business visit
    •  6 h  — Group case study
    • 17 h — Cultural visits & events
    •  2 h  — A French Speaking World
    •  1 h  — Haut-de-France: A dynamic environment for researchers
    •  3 h  — Welcome & closing sessions

    Keywords

    • Multiculturalism
    • Globalisation
    • International
    • Management
    • Workplace
    • Diversity
    • Immigration
    • Expatriation
    • Geography
    • Sociology
    • Cross-cultural

    Programme At A Glance

    Please note: this programme may be subject to minor modifications.

    Lectures, Seminars and Workshops

    Minor modifications to the programme may occur.

    List of Lectures, Seminars and Workshops
    • 1 Introduction to Cross-Cultural Management
      Companies operating in multiple countries must be sensitive to cultural differences in such areas as communication styles, decision making processes, and attitudes towards hierarchy and authority in order to be effective. Historical, geographical, social, and political factors all lead to differences in national culture. Geert Hofstede developed a model of national culture based on six dimensions that represent individual preferences for one situation over another that distinguish countries from each other.
    • 2 The Impact of Linguistic Policies on Economics and Culture
      The European Union has 24 official languages across its 27 member states creating an obvious communications challenge. Language is closely related to our identity and culture. Multilingualism in the EU helps prevent linguistic disenfranchisement of those who only speak their national language, but it comes at a heavy economic cost and is a barrier to creating a common European identity. An alternative to multilingualism is lingua franca, which is increasingly English.
    • 3 How to Create Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
      According to a survey from Monster (2022), 62% of job seekers would turn down a job offer if they feel the company did not value an inclusive and diverse workplace culture. Culture is an important value that organizations can offer prospective and current employees, customers, and the public. Central to culture is creating an environment where a wide swath of individuals can collaborate, communicate, and achieve short and long-term goals together. Empowering employees to bring their full selves to work every day isn’t just good for business, it’s just plain good.
    • 4 From Awareness to Action: Leveraging Cross-Cultural Experiences for Identifying Business Opportunities
      Through an exploration of theoretical frameworks associating entrepreneurship and cross-cultural studies, you will gain insight into how culture impacts business and learn how to leverage this knowledge to identify business opportunities and create innovative business solutions.
    • 5 Cultural Differentiation, Migration and Populist Nationalism: a Comparison Between France and Germany

    Group Case Study

    Students will participate in a group case study.

    The scenario for the case study involves a manager who is leading a team of employees from various cultural backgrounds, working together in a global bicycle manufacturing company. The team is tasked with developing a new bicycle for an international market, and the manager is struggling to navigate cultural differences and communication barriers that are impacting the team’s productivity and effectiveness. Each team member is assigned a role from a specific country.

    The case study asks the team members to explore the following issues as related to their specific role and their interactions with other team members:

    1. Cultural differences in communication styles and how they impact team dynamics and decision-making;
    2. Differences in attitudes towards hierarchy and authority and how they affect the manager’s leadership style and the team’s response to it;
    3. Strategies for managing cultural differences and promoting cross-cultural understanding within the team;
    4. How to create a culture of inclusion that values and respects diversity while maintaining a shared vision and common goals for the team.

    The teams will interview team members from different cultural backgrounds and gather insights from experts in cross-cultural management. They will investigate strategies implemented in other companies to learn from the experience of others.
    The teams will present their findings and recommendation to a jury at the end of the program.

    You will have every opportunity to contact teachers/researchers with a view to identify a study or research project; assistance will be provided in maintaining contact in order to finalise the project up to enrolment in the targeted programme.

    Cultural Programme

    EXCITING VISITS & EVENTS

    Gain a richer perspective on the Hauts-de-France region!

     

    The Hauts-de-France region is typified by its maritime and Flemish borders, agrarian economy, ancient trade fairs tradition, former textile and mine industries steeped in the Catholic values of its captains and vivid memory of wounds inflicted by two world wars. France’s youngest region is now renowned for its competitiveness, dynamic cultural and social life, and a unique mix of Flemish cheerfulness and French elegance.

    1. OLD LILLE: Guided tour of streets, squares and monuments of the old town and its beautiful ancient architecture.
    2. CH’TI EVENING: Local cuisine in a traditional restaurant and introduction to the Ch’ti linguistic and cultural specificity.
    3. BRUGES, BELGIUM: Free time in the charming old Flemish city, also known as “the Venice of the North” thanks to its beautiful canals.
    4. Keen on discovering more sights in North-West Europe? You will have the opportunity to participate in these optional activities:
        • EXCURSION TO THE COAST: Visit of the spectacular two Northern Capes Site (Opal Coast from which one can see the British cliffs).
        • FIREWORKS: Sightseeing of the great fireworks in Lille on the French National Day (July 14th).
        • Alternatively, you are free to travel wherever you want on your own expense.

    A French Speaking World

    Spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, French is a beautiful and fascinating language with a rich history and culture. Through this module, you will be taken through an original exploration of the French speaking world – relevant whether you are a beginner or a fluent French speaker!