Format

The main text for this case study must be word-processed in Arial, font 12, double spacing, minimum 2cm margins all around.

Academic level: Postgraduate - (Masters)

Citation style: Harvard

Reference list: required

Number of sources: 10 and more

Word count for main text: 2,500 words

Visuals: if possible (up to 5 pieces)

The word count does not include: appendices, title page, contents page, abstract/executive summary, tables, figures, legends, reference lists, acknowledgements.


============= Essay Task ============

Identify an interesting and/or problematic cross-cultural negotiation and write an essay on it.

It can be an international negotiation from business or politics. This could be a trade negotiation, merger or acquisition, union bargaining, an international conflict or dispute.

Write an essay providing a critical evaluation of the negotiation and the strategies that were used to reach agreement (or not reach agreement). You can use any of the perspectives from the list below but it must include reference to both negotiation and cross cultural management.



Here are some example perspectives you might explore:

- how and why you think the negotiation was shaped by culture and culture differences

- to what extent was the negotiation strategy deployed by one or both parties influenced by
culture

- selecting a model of cultural difference and critically applying it to the chosen negotiation.

- to what extent did national cultural difference impact the outcome of the negotiation.



At the start of the essay, you will need to provide a brief summary of the situation you will be analyzing.

You will need to apply relevant theories, in your chosen topic area, to practise and provide a set of conclusions/recommendations.

You can use some of the more commonly cited cultural interaction theories and models; such as those by Hall (1959), Hofstede (2001), Kluckhorn and Strodtbeck (1961) and Trompenaars (1993). 

Please use only credible web sources, journals and textbooks.


============Please keep this Assessment criteria in mind while writing the essay:

Presentation - Analyse traditional and current approaches to the study of culture within the context of the practice of management

Theory and literature review - Critically evaluate the relevance of the comparative cross cultural perspective to international management practice

Analysis and problem solving - Understand and apply the theory and concepts of effective negotiation

Structure and argument - Identify and develop an effective approach to communicating across cultures

Conclusions - Analyse the impact of cultural difference in the negotiation process

Correctness of referencing - Critical understanding of how to engage and succeed in the practice of creating, managing and working in international teams


==============Important note:

Before commencing on the essay, the approved writer is asked to provide:

- A brief description of the international negotiation you intend to analyze.

- Briefly explain which theoretical perspectives you are thinking of using to analyze your chosen negotiation, why you chose these perspectives and how you plan to proceed with the analysis.

Feel free to ask questions.

Regards.