MSOD 616A Practicum 1A: OD Practitioner as Global Citizen (4)

The skills and knowledge required for a global practitioner of change are the focus of this course. It extends the fundamental principles and skills of organization development by utilizing an unfamiliar cultural environment to leverage an understanding of how to work in a wide range of companies and cultures abroad. Differentiating among cultures by using basic principles of anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, and psychology are explored as foundational theories to organization development. Topics include culture of origin and the development of cross-cultural competence to heighten awareness of country-specific attributes that align or create stress; artifacts and their underlying assumptions and values of culture; dynamics of conducting research in a non-native land. Areas of concentration include the “self as an instrument of change,” developing cross-cultural skills and honing research skills. Working with local business professionals, students conduct consulting projects to address client needs resulting in Actionable Recommendations to help clients move their business forward. Researching various functions and trends, students draw on change management methods to create innovative ideas and solutions based on best practices. A focus on the student’s personal and professional growth to become strong leaders of change culminates in the creation of an individualized model of cultural entry useful to transverse across countries and disparate organization cultures to become a global citizen able to work in a broad array of work settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

Recognize key issues in the global business context and macro-economic environment; explain those faced by the host country and what steps the local community is taking to address them.
Conduct purposeful research, consulting, and benchmark activities for organizational and community improvement, while differentiating attributes of culture in real time: artifacts, espoused values, and underlying assumptions.
Explain various change management tools and methods and discern their appropriate uses.
Apply group dynamic and teambuilding concepts to both virtual and F2F teams. Demonstrate effective team member skills using advocacy and inquiry to produce quality products and sustainable relationships.
Act with courage in the use of Self as Instrument (SAI) of change and upgrade Cultural Intelligence (CQ) through cross-cultural interactions.
Explain key considerations in the development of research design.
Construct a model of cross-cultural entry and relationship building that can be used to enter a country and establish rapport with local nationals as future international sessions occur.

Grading Basis: CR/NC/I