Applied Psychology of Intercultural Behavior
Elective course for graduate students majoring in applied psychology
• Language: English
• Credit: 2 classes (8 weeks)
• Maximum participants are 24 students (it will be a very interactive couse)
Course Description
This course applies contemporary theory and research psychology of intercultural behavior (and cross-cultural psychology) to issues arising from globalization as well as living and working in multicultural environments.
Topics will include
• psychology and culture
• communication across cultures
• acculturation and adaptation (culture shock)
• leadership and teamwork
• working in a multi-cultural context
• studying abroad (cross-cultural learning behavior)
• culture and diversity in the workplace
• diversity and cultural awareness training
Course Objectives
Students who successfully complete will be able to:
1) critically evaluate the application of cross-cultural theory and research and
2) competently identify critical issues in applying cross-cultural psychology.
Course Structure and Content
The course is composed of:
- lectures led by academic staff member or graduate student introducing basic areas of knowledge
- articles to be read before each session according to the attached list of readings
- short reports
- research reports and
- group based discussions.
Students will be expected to read key references each week with the aim of addressing various questions or issues raised in class. All class members are expected to participate.
Examination scoring
Students will be assessed internally. All course work must be completed on time and or by prior arrangement with course coordinator. The following assessment will apply for this course:
1. Preparation of readings and class participation (10%)
2. Group work and presentation (50%)
3. Short individual research report / essay (40%)
Reading Materials
Basic books
Cross-Cultural, Intercultural and Cultural Psychology
Chiu, C. Y. & Hong, Y. Y. (2006). Social Psychology of Culture. New York: Psychology Press.
Ward, C., Bochner, S. & Furnham, A. (2001). Culture shock. Cambridge: Routledge.
Hall, E. T. & Hall, M. R. (1990). Understanding Cultural Differences: German, French and Americans. Yarmouth, Intercultural Press.
Hofstede, G. (1991). Culture and Organizations: Software of the Mind. Cambridge: Cambridge University.
Hofstede, G. J., Pedersen, P. B. & Hofstede, G. (2002). Exploring Culture: Exercises, Stories and Synthetic Cultures. Nicholas Brealey.
Landis, D., Bennet, J. & Bennet, M. (Eds.) (2003). Handbook of Intercultural Training. London: Sage.
Matsumoto, D. & Juang, L. (2003). Culture and Psychology (3rd ed.). Thomson Learning.
Triandis, H. C. (1994). Culture and Social Behavior. New York: McGraw-Hill.
International Management
Adler, N. J. (1986). International Dimension of Organizational Behavior. Boston: Kent.
Bartlett, C. A. & Ghoshal, S. (1989). Managing Across Borders: The Transnational Solution. Boston: Harvard Business School.
Harris. P. R. & Moran, R. T. (1979). Managing Cultural Differences: High - Performance Strategies for Today’s Global Manager. Houston: Gulf.
Lasserre, P. & Schütte, H. (1999). Strategies for Asia Pacific: Beyond the Crisis. Houndmills: Macmillan.
Articles in Intercultural Competence and Sensitivity
Bennett, M. J. (1993). Toward Ethnorelativism: A Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity. In R. M. Paige (Eds.), Education for the Intercultural Experience. Yarmouth: Intercultural.
Bhawuk, D. P. S. & Brislin, R. (1992). The Measurement of Intercultural Sensitivity Using the Concepts of Individualism and Collectivism. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 16, 413-436.
Chui, G. & van den Berg, S. (1991). Testing the Construct of Validity of Intercultural Effectiveness. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 15, 227-241.
Pangabean, H. (1999). Intercultural Sensitivity as a Psychological Basic Condition to Enhance Effectiveness of Indonesian-German Workgroups. Unpublished paper: Universität Regensburg.
Ruben, B. D. & Kealey, D. J. (1979). Behavioral assessment of communication competency and the prediction of Cross-Cultural adaptation. International Journal of intercultural relations, 3, 15-48.
Exchange of Experiences and Sharing of Knowledges
Internet Resources
Delta Intercultural Academy
Center for Cross-Cultural Research
Incl. Online Reading in Psychology and Culture
Important Professional Organizations and Journals
IAIR (International Academy of Intercultural Research)
affiliation of the International Journal of Intercultural Relations
IACCP (International Association of Cross-Cultural Psychology)
affiliation of the International Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology
AASP (Asian Association of Social Psychology)
affiliation of the Asian Journal of Social Psychology
Sietar (Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research)