A Clash of Culture

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  CTE-BUS.912.8216110.11.1- Demonstrate knowledge of multi-cultural environments.

  CTE-BUS.912.8216110.11.2- Identify distinctive social and cultural factors affecting business protocol

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be used with the case study, "A Clash of Culture: Exploring Challenges in a Global Non-Profit Initiative." See CPALMS resource ID# 215295.

• Career Connection

  
  

  This lesson will help students understand the importance of being culturally sensitive when operating in various contexts. It will also teach students strategies to enhance sensitivity in multicultural settings.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Create a digital presentation that describes the importance of being culturally sensitive.
  • Recognize how social and cultural factors are perceived differently in various contexts.
  • Discuss in groups and present strategies on how to be culturally sensitive.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with:

  • the basic of digital tools
  • working in groups
  • the definition of related terminology such as cultural sensitivity, diversity, multicultural, etc.

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • Why is cultural sensitivity important when working in a multicultural environment?
  • What steps can an individual take to become more aware of social and cultural norms, particularly when new to an environment?

• Procedure

  
  
  1. The teacher will begin the class by presenting photos of people wearing different types of clothing (business suit, hiking outfit, t-shirt and jeans, traditional wear etc.) and ask, “What do you think this person is about to do?”
  2. At the end of the photo presentation, the teacher will show a picture of an individual wearing traditional Nepali dress and ask students to respond. The teacher will then introduce the country of Nepal and highlight how this dress reflects Nepali culture. The discussion will focus on:
     • Why it's important to understand the dress and culture of a society.
  3. Distribute copies of the case study, "A Clash of Culture: Exploring Challenges in a Global Non-Profit Initiative," (see CPALMS resource ID# 215295). Allow students time to read through the case.
  4. Divide students into four groups. Assign each group to discuss specific aspects of the case.
     • The first group discusses the preparation phase and what Andrew could have done differently.
     • The second group focuses on the cultural program and Andrew’s attire.
     • The third group considers the communication issues and the aftermath of the visit.
     • The fourth group will discuss the actions of AFN and what could have been done differently.
  5. Each group should come up with alternative strategies that could have prevented the cultural misunderstandings. Please distribute the attached worksheet, “What could have been different” where students can note down the discussion.
  6. After students have discussed the case, the teacher will now ask groups to think beyond the case and discuss strategies for enhancing cultural sensitivity in international business. Students will then prepare a digital presentation with five key strategies.
     • The teacher will encourage the use of open-source images to enhance the visual appeal of the presentation for the audience.
  7. Conclude the lesson with a whole-class discussion. Teacher will ask students to reflect on the importance of cultural awareness in global settings.
     • Discuss how cultural sensitivity can enhance international cooperation and reduce misunderstandings.
  8. As a follow-up, assign students to write a response to the following prompt.
     • How can cultural sensitivity impact your future career, particularly if you plan to work in international environments or diverse teams.?

• Teacher Notes

  
  

  The written response / reflection can be given the following day as time permits.