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INBS 310 Global Business Communication

Section 001 Course # 84927
FALL 2014


INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer C. Sexton, Ph.D.
OFFICE: 110 B&E
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday/Thursday: 1:00pm 2:00pm, or by appointment
TELEPHONE: (304) 293-5865
EMAIL: jennifer.sexton@mail.wvu.edu
TEXTBOOK MATERIALS: See Required Materials section
CLASS WEBSITE URL: https://eCampus.wvu.edu
CLASS MEETING TIMES: TR: 2:30pm 3:45pm, 348 B&E
FINAL EXAM: N/A

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the student will have developed skills in intercultural communication in the context
of international business operations. Many companies have business operations across national borders. The
employees with an understanding of intercultural communication skills are likely to be better suited to handle the
opportunities and challenges in global operations. This course offers practical guidelines for students to understand
how individuals, teams, and companies communicate effectively, and concentrate on the underlying cultural reasons
for behavior. It employs a mix of learning toolsanalysis of practitioner articles and cases, discussion of theoretical
concepts and communication models, and role plays by student teams. This approach helps students develop an ability
to work successfully within an environment of cultural diversity both at home and abroad.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of principles, theories, models, and techniques of effective communication in
cross-cultural business situations.
Demonstrate understanding of the impact of cultural differences on effective global communication.
Demonstrate good writing and oral communication skills such as negotiations across cultures, working in
multicultural teams, and intercultural case analysis.

REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. Text: Intercultural Communication in the Global Workplace, 5
th
Edition, Varner & Beamer, 2013, ISBN
9780073377742. Available in the WVU Bookstore.
2. Additional Materials and Cases: Any additional reading assignments, including both classic management readings,
current topics of interest, or cases not found in the text will be posted in the Additional Readings folder on the
eCampus website for this course.
3. Current Events: You should prepare for each classs discussion by reviewing news articles from the business press,
including but not limited to The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and The Economist.


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CLASS REQUIREMENTS - INDIVIDUAL
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Attendance and Participation (150 points total)
You are expected to attend each class period and actively participate. Active participation includes bringing in news
articles that relate to international business topics, responding to questions, participating in class discussions, etc.
Remember that all material presented in class including class discussions are fair game for the exams. Quality
participation in class discussions may raise your participation grade while excessive absences and tardiness will result
in a reduction of your participation grade. Exceptional participation may lead to extra credit points. Other tools used
to assess your participation may include reading checks and pop quizzes.

Since you are expected to participate in class discussions, it goes without saying that you are expected to actually
attend class (on timepreparedawake). By signing up for my class, you agree that you are able to meet from 2:30pm
through 3:45pm in its entirety. If your school schedule, work schedule, social schedule, family obligations, etc. prevent
this from occurring on a regular basis, do not sign up for this class. With that being said, I understand that
circumstances may arise that will prevent you from attending class. As adults, I expect you to use your discretion and
good judgment. If you are sick, have an important medical appointment, need to attend a friend/family wedding,
funeral, or other life-changing event, by all means, please do! However, you are responsible for making up the material
that you missed. Do not ask me to make up the materials for you. NOTE: More than three (3) absences will result in
a reduction of your participation grade. The more classes you miss, the bigger the deduction.

Quizzes (150 points total, 15 points each)
Throughout the course, quizzes will be employed to assess your preparation for class discussion. These quizzes may
be comprised of true-false, multiple-choice, or short answer questions and should take no more than 30 minutes to
complete. They will cover material from the assigned chapter. Each quiz is worth 15 points of your final grade. There
are no make-up opportunities for missed quizzes; however, extra credit opportunities will allow students to earn
partial credit for missed quizzes (i.e., B&E distinguished speakers).

Chapter Exams (450 points total, 150 points each)
Chapter exams will take place throughout the course. Each exam will cover three chapters. Exams will include material
presented in class (including lectures, discussion, exercises, cases, and videos) as well as material covered in the
assigned readings. Exams will include some combination of true/false, multiple-choice, and short essay questions.
Should an illness or some other justifiable reason prevent you from taking an exam on the date scheduled, I must
be notified beforehand. If you cannot take the exam before its scheduled time, the make-up will have to be taken
some time during the last week of classes (Dead Week).


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I reserve the right to adjust and make changes to both the course requirements and the course schedule. However, you will be
notified of the changes in a timely fashion; all changes will benefit the student.

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CLASS REQUIREMENTS - TEAM
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Team Project - Written (125 points)
Guidelines and the grading rubric will be provided on eCampus. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. Any extreme
documented situations that impinge upon the completion of this assignment need to be brought to my attention
PRIOR TO THE DAY BEFORE the assignment is due. Please be advised there will be strict enforcement of this policy.

Team Project - Presentation (75 points)
Guidelines and the grading rubric will be provided on eCampus. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. Any extreme
documented situations that impinge upon the completion of this assignment need to be brought to my attention
PRIOR TO THE DAY BEFORE the assignment is due. Please be advised there will be strict enforcement of this policy.

Peer Evaluations (50 points)
Anonymous peer evaluations will be assigned at the end of the semester in order to assess your participation within
your team. These peer evaluations are held in confidence by the instructor. Late evaluations will negatively affect
your evaluation.


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I reserve the right to adjust and make changes to both the course requirements and the course schedule. However, you will be
notified of the changes in a timely fashion; all changes will benefit the student.

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DETERMINATION OF FINAL GRADE
Final grades are determined from a total of 1,000 points.

Attendance and Participation 150 points
750 points (INDIVIDUAL) Quizzes 150 points
Exams 450 points
Team Project - Written 125 points
250 points (TEAM)
Team Project - Presentation 75 points
Peer Evaluations 50 points
Final Grade 1000 points

GRADE SCALE
The following scale outlines the grade cutoffs:

A 900 - 1000 points
B 800 - 899 points
C 700 - 799 points
D 600 - 699 points
F 0 - 599 points



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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The integrity of the classes offered by any academic institution solidifies the foundation of its mission and cannot be
sacrificed to expediency, ignorance, or blatant fraud. Therefore, I will enforce rigorous standards of academic integrity
in all aspects and assignments of this course. For the detailed policy of West Virginal University regarding the
definitions of acts considered to fall under academic dishonest and possible ensuing sanctions, please see the Student
Conduct Code (http://studentlife.wvu.edu/office_of_student_conduct/student_conduct_code.) Should you have any
questions about possibly improper research citations or references, or any other activity that may be interpreted as
an attempt at academic dishonesty, please see me before the assignment is due to discuss the matter.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
Any student who is caught cheating in this class will receive a failing grade. The following actions on your part will
qualify you for an F on the assignment/exam and/or an F in the course:

1. Copying other students work (past or present) or handing in work from other courses.
2. Having others do your work for you.
3. Using any materials other than pens, pencils and distributed quiz/exam, questions and answer sheets during an
examination unless instructed to do so.
4. Being absent (without prior approval) from an examination.
5. Failure to comply with instructions by the instructor or exam proctors during an exam or quiz.
6. Falsifying information in any way that would enhance your grade in this class.
7. Engaging in any activity that disrupts the classroom environment (NOTE: Disruptions can include (im)proper use
of cell phones, tablets, iPads, and laptops. I reserve the right to prohibit the use of these devices in class).
8. Plagiarizing papers and/or source material.
9. Acquiring materials that give your team an edge in the GLO-BUS Simulation.

SOCIAL JUSTICE
I pledge to treat each student with respect and fairness. I expect you to reciprocate and to show the same courtesy
to me and fellow students.

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a
positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our
University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veterans status, religion, sexual orientation,
color or national origin. Any suggestion as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be
appreciated and given serious consideration.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this
class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Disability services (293-6700).

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Interact professionally with me, your fellow classmates, and your team. In particular, you need to attend top
management team meetings with your teammates and actively participate in the analysis and preparation of
decisions.
2. Keep track of any announcements made in class or on the webpage.
3. Read e-mails sent to your university e-mail (Mix).
4. Download the syllabus, chapters, readings, cases, case questions from eCampus (you should check eCampus
frequently for new postings.
5. Participate in class.
6. Ask questions.

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TUESDAY THURSDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY
08.19.2014 08.21.2014 08.26.2014 08.28.2014
CLASS Introduction and Course Overview In-Class Activity Culture and Communication Culture and Communication
READING(S) Chapter 1 (pp. 1-41)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE Quiz: Chapter 1 2:30pm
09.02.2014 09.04.2014 09.09.2014 09.11.2014
CLASS
The Role of Language in
Intercultural Business
Communication
The Role of Language in
Intercultural Business
Communications
The Self and Groups The Self and Groups
READING(S) Chapter 2 (pp. 43-91) Chapter 4 (pp. 139-171)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE Quiz: Chapter 2 2:30pm Quiz: Chapter 4 2:30pm
09.16.2014 09.18.2014 09.23.2014 09.25.2014
CLASS EXAM 1
Team Project Overview

In-Class Activity
Nonverbal Language in
Intercultural Communication
Nonverbal Language in
Intercultural Communication
READING(S) Chapter 6 (pp. 217-249)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE Group Requests 5:00pm (email) Quiz: Chapter 6 2:30pm


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TUESDAY THURSDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY
09.30.2014 10.02.2014 10.07.2014 10.09.2014
CLASS
Cultural Rules for Establishing
Relationships
Cultural Rules for Establishing
Relationships
Intercultural Negotiation Teams Intercultural Negotiation Teams
READING(S) Chapter 7 (pp. 251-287) Chapter 9 (pp. 329-363)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE Quiz: Chapter 7 2:30pm Quiz: Chapter 9 2:30pm
10.14.2014 10.16.2014 10.21.2014 10.23.2014
CLASS
NO CLASS
(FALL BREAK)
EXAM 2
Legal and Governmental
Considerations in Intercultural
Business Communication
Legal and Governmental
Considerations in Intercultural
Business Communication
READING(S) Chapter 10 (pp. 365-401)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE Quiz: Chapter 10 2:30pm
10.28.2014 10.30.2014 11.04.2014 11.06.2014
CLASS
The Influence of Business
Structures and Corporate Culture
on Intercultural Business
Communication
The Influence of Business
Structures and Corporate Culture
on Intercultural Business
Communication
NO CLASS
(ELECTION DAY)
Intercultural Dynamics in the
International Company
READING(S) Chapter 11 (pp. 403-445) Chapter 12 (pp. 447-483)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE Quiz: Chapter 11 2:30pm Quiz: Chapter 12 2:30pm


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TUESDAY THURSDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY
11.11.2014 11.13.2014 11.18.2014 11.20.2014
CLASS
NO CLASS
(SMA)
NO CLASS
(SMA)
Intercultural Dynamics in the
International Company
EXAM 3
READING(S)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE
11.25.2014 11.27.2014 12.02.2014 12.04.2014
CLASS
NO CLASS
(THANKSGIVING BREAK)
NO CLASS
(THANKSGIVING BREAK)
TEAM PRESENTATIONS TEAM PRESENTATIONS
READING(S)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE
Team Project Written (all
groups)
Peer Evaluations 11:00pm
12.09.2014
CLASS SUPERAWESOMEWORLDFEASTDAY!
READING(S)
ASSIGNMENT(S) DUE