Overview of Course

Our interactions with organizations and businesses structure our lives. Where do we learn, work, eat, shop, have fun, and more? As we visit and explore a variety of countries, we will see first-hand how the differences in the businesses present in those countries and their role in citizens' lives help define the differences and similarities across countries.
Even in times of tension, conflict, and uncertainty, companies continue to work to globalize and connect our world. Many businesses seek operations in other countries. While some efforts succeed, many more fail. Why? What are the differences across countries and cultures concerning management processes, workers, and the societies within which they operate? Does human motivation follow similar rules universally, or is it culture-specific? What about the role of leaders?
Beginning with the familiar U.S. context, this course seeks to broaden students' understandings of assumptions, expectations, and possibilities in the structure, operation, and success of organizations across a range of countries and cultures. Examples from many of our port countries and beyond will be the basis for our discussions and serve as the opportunity to examine and answer the questions above and more.