GROUP ASSIGNMENT
Overview
In this assignment, students will assume the role of a CEO facing a specific cross-cultural
management challenge in an international business setting. Each group will be tasked with
analyzing the problem, proposing solutions, and presenting their recommendations to the class.
This exercise aims to enhance students’ understanding of cross-cultural dynamics in business and
develop your strategic thinking and presentation skills.
Scenario
You are the CEO of GlobalTech Innovations, a technology company that has recently expanded
its operations into multiple countries, including Japan, Brazil, and Germany. Your company has a
diverse workforce composed of employees from various cultural backgrounds. Recently, you
have noticed several issues arising from cultural misunderstandings that are affecting team
collaboration, employee motivation, and overall productivity.
Specific Problems
1. Cultural Miscommunication: Teams are struggling to communicate effectively due to
different cultural norms and language barriers. This has led to misunderstandings in
project requirements and delays in deliverables.
2. Employee Motivation: Different cultural attitudes toward work-life balance and
recognition have resulted in varying levels of employee motivation across regions. Some
employees feel undervalued, while others are overwhelmed by expectations.
3. Leadership Styles: Leadership approaches that work well in one cultural context may
not be effective in another. There is confusion among managers regarding how to lead
diverse teams effectively.
4. Managing Multicultural Teams: As a manager, what steps would you take to increase
the probability of achieving synergy
Assignment Guidelines
• Analysis: Each group will select any one of the specific problems outlined above. You
will analyze the problem in detail, considering the cultural factors at play and their
impact on the organization.
• Proposed Solutions: Develop actionable strategies to address the selected problem. Your
solutions should be practical, culturally sensitive, and aligned with GlobalTech
Innovations' values.
1
• Presentation: Prepare a 15-minute presentation summarizing your analysis and proposed
solutions, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. Use visual aids (e.g., slides, charts) to
enhance your presentation.
Timeline
• Problem Selection: [30-08-20243]
• Presentation Dates: [06-09-2024]
Evaluation Rubric
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Score
Thorough
understanding of Good Minimal
the problem; understanding; Basic understanding;
Problem insightful covers key understanding; unclear problem
Analysis cultural analysis. aspects. lacks depth. definition. 10
Innovative and
practical
solutions; well-
aligned with Adequate Limited Very few
Proposed cultural solutions; solutions; some solutions;
Solutions contexts. mostly relevant. relevance. poorly chosen. 10
Engaging Generally clear; Difficult to Poor delivery;
Presentation delivery; clear some follow; lacks unclear and
Skills and confident. engagement. engagement. disengaging. 10
Highly effective; Useful; Somewhat
enhances supports the helpful; lacks Distracting or
Visual Aids understanding. presentation. clarity. irrelevant. 10
Excellent
teamwork: all Good Uneven
members collaboration: contribution: Poor teamwork;
Team contribute most members some members lack of
Collaboration equally. contribute. dominate. coordination. 5
2
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Score
Thoughtful
responses; Adequate Unprepared for
demonstrates responses; Limited questions;
deep shows some responses; lacks unclear
Q&A Session understanding. understanding. clarity. responses. 5
Total Score: /50
Conclusion
This assignment challenges you to think critically about cross-cultural management issues that
CEOs face in today’s globalized business environment. By analyzing real-world problems and
proposing effective solutions, you will develop valuable skills that are essential for future leaders
in international business. Embrace the opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other.
Good luck!
