Cross-Cultural Communication

As teams become more globally distributed, communication styles that work within one culture can misfire badly in another — directness, formality, feedback style, and decision-making norms vary significantly across cultures. This course, taught by communication professor Tatiana Kolovou, breaks down practical frameworks for recognizing these differences and adapting communication style accordingly, without resorting to broad stereotypes.

The course covers high-context versus low-context communication cultures, differing attitudes toward hierarchy and directness, and practical strategies for running meetings, giving feedback, and building trust across cultural lines. It's relevant for managers of distributed teams, professionals working with international clients, and anyone navigating an increasingly multicultural domestic workplace.