working globally

Working Globally

1, Course Background

Many leading organizations have been operating internationally or globally for decades, some for over 100 years. Today, enabled by information and communication technology, global working is common. People are working in increasingly connected, interdependent and integrated teams and work streams around the world, irrespective of their organization structure.

Individuals in global working environments usually also experience the challenges of matrix and/or virtual working described elsewhere on this site. In addition they need to:

Develop and use global networks to get things done

Deliver both global and the local results

Balance scale and leverage with flexibility and agility

Work with or lead culturally diverse groups of colleagues

Work effectively across time zones

As we can see above, more connected and integrated organizations and global working practices are common. Integrated business functions, supply chains and global accounts cut across the traditional vertical silos of function, geography and business unit.

Whether you have a formal matrix structure or a more informal network organization, global working is becoming more horizontal, cross functional and cross business unit. Collaboration becomes more complex with additional challenges of working across time zones and national cultural differences.

This lecture will provide an illustration through case study of some of the dynamics that are implied by global working environment, and help students to overcome all barriers, and realize that not only language, accent, misunderstanding but also culture, empathy, and leadership were all issues that arose early on.

The 2-day program is highly interactive. Simulations, case studies, self-assessments and small group activities engage the participants in an accelerated learning experience.

2, Curriculum Design

Class form: lecture + case study + group discussion and Q&A

50% Theory and Concept study and understanding, 20% case study, 20% group discussion， 5% Q&A

All class in English.

3, Course Benefits and outcomes

1. Students will learn and understand Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, and can describe differences between at least two cultures and can offer explanations or historical contexts for those differences.

2. Students recognize the value and significance why the ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to the organizational environment is crucial for managerial success.

3. Students can identify the main processes in a global organization’s environments, and describe the stakeholders that each presents to job done.

4. Students recognize global team issues and commit themselves to thoughtful, concrete responses growing out of their devotion.

5. Students will learn and master an appropriate way of the leadership and influence in a global team.

4, Audience

Senior Manager level and above

Project manager who work with global team

Others in MNC

5, Duration

Days（12 hrs）

6, Case Study

Business Review with Global team.

When is good time for a Global project.7, Course Contents

1 Types of organizations

Global Corporation

MNC

International companies

Transnational companies

CASE study: organization structure

Challenges – Inter-country Differences

A focus on Culture - Levels of Culture

Hofstede’s Dimension of Culture

Bridging corporate and local culture

Group Discussion: team culture or company culture

Working in A GLOBAL Team

Types of teams

Key Roles of Teams and know your stakeholders

Types of working processes and scenarios

1:1 and group meeting In same team

Cross teams in same function

Cross functions in same BU

Cross BUs

Group Discussion: who own the proposal?

Influence in a global team

4.1 Leadership and Influence

Problem-Solving Communication

Case study: Deal effectively with avoidance of “No”

5 Best way to work together effectively

5.1 Nature of Effective Team

5.2 Trust Building

5.3 9 techniques to work more effectively with Global Teammates

5.4 Group Discussion: Conflict management

6 wrap-up and take-away

6.1 Summary of 2-day study

6.2 Summary of Best Practices

6.3 Q&A