Intercultural Competence in Multinational Companies. Identifying Key Competencies and Deficits

Project Report , 2023 , 20 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Communications - Intercultural Communication

This project focuses on conducting a case study survey to investigate the intercultural competencies of a multinational company. The survey aims to identify the company's strengths and weaknesses in this area, as well as explore any potential challenges that the company may face in terms of intercultural communication and collaboration. By conducting this study, we hope to gain insights into the company's practices and develop recommendations to enhance its intercultural competencies.

In today’s globalized economy, multinational companies have become an ubiquitous presence, operating across borders, cultures and languages. With the proliferation of international trade and business opportunities, there is an increasing need for employees who can navigate the complexities of working in a multicultural environment. To succeed in such an environment, it is obligatory for employees to have intercultural competence.

Despite the importance of intercultural competence in multinational companies, many employees lack the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in a multicultural environment. The challenges of intercultural communication, such as missunderstand-ings, stereotypes and misinterpretations can result in conflicts, reduced productivity and missed business opportunities. Therefore, it is critical for companies to identify the key intercultural competencies that employees need to succeed in a multinational context.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Structure of the Project
  • 1.2 Purpose and significance of the research question
• 2 Culture
  • 2.1 Definition of Culture
  • 2.2 Culture Dimensions of Hofstede
• 3 Intercultural Competence
  • 3.1 Definition
  • 3.2 Models
    • 3.2.1 Structure Model
    • 3.2.2 Process Model
    • 3.2.3 Phase/Stage Model
• 4 Case Study XY Deutschland GmbH
  • 4.1 Methodology and Research Questions
  • 4.2 Results and Discussion
• 5 Recommendations for XY Deutschland GmbH
• 6 Summary

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This project aims to investigate the intercultural competencies present in multinational companies, specifically by identifying key competencies and areas for improvement. It focuses on the impact of intercultural communication and collaboration on organizational success. Through a case study survey of XY Deutschland GmbH, the project seeks to understand the company's intercultural strengths, weaknesses, and potential challenges.

• Defining and understanding the concept of culture in an organizational context.
• Exploring the significance of intercultural competence in multinational companies.
• Identifying key intercultural competencies and areas for improvement within a specific organization.
• Analyzing the impact of cultural differences on communication and collaboration.
• Developing recommendations to enhance intercultural competence and address identified challenges.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Chapter 1: Introduction

  This chapter provides an overview of the project, outlining its purpose, significance, and research question. It highlights the importance of intercultural competence in today's globalized business environment.

• Chapter 2: Culture

  This chapter defines the concept of culture, emphasizing its multifaceted nature and impact on individuals and organizations. It explores the cultural dimensions of Hofstede, providing insights into cultural variations and their implications for intercultural interactions.

• Chapter 3: Intercultural Competence

  This chapter delves into the definition and models of intercultural competence. It examines various frameworks, including the structure model, process model, and phase/stage model, which provide tools for understanding and developing intercultural skills.

• Chapter 4: Case Study XY Deutschland GmbH

  This chapter presents the case study of XY Deutschland GmbH, outlining the methodology employed and research questions guiding the investigation. It aims to illustrate the application of cultural understanding and intercultural competence within a specific organizational context.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This project focuses on intercultural competence, cultural dimensions, multinational companies, organizational culture, communication, collaboration, case study, survey, recommendations, and cultural sensitivity.

• College: Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Idstein
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Marina Aparicio Mijares (Author)
• Publication Year: 2023
• Pages: 20
• Catalog Number: V1370802
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346933096
• ISBN (Book): 9783346933102
• Language: English
• Tags: Intercultural Competence, Intercultural, Culture