US Culture and Business Communication Skills for Indians

Section 1: Introduction Lecture 1 02:18

In this lecture, we review the main areas of learning and how we will learn about US culture and business communication skills.

Lecture 2 04:07

An Accenture study based on a survey of 200 business executives shows that cross-cultural training increases team productivity by 30%. In this lecture, you'll learn about the main areas that have a business impact on culture. We'll also outline the main areas of miscommunication and misunderstanding when Indians and Americans work together.

Section 2: Important Facts About the USA Lecture 3 07:54

History and culture are closely connected. Learn about some of the events in US history that have helped shape US culture.

Lecture 4 02:56

Get to know some interesting details about the US.

Lecture 5 1 page

Learn why individualism is so important to Americans, how this impacts working in the US, and some common phrases associated with this value.

Lecture 6 2 pages

Learn why egalitarianism is so important to Americans, how this impacts working in the US, and some common phrases associated with this value.

Lecture 7 1 page

Learn why taking risks is so important to Americans, how this impacts working in the US, and some common phrases associated with this value.

Quiz 1 12 questionsSection 3: Why do they do that? Defining Culture and its Impact Lecture 8 04:07

According to Geert Hofstede, culture is the collective programming of the mind. This affects how we think and act. Learn how our culture impacts our lives in ways we may not even be aware of. These are our cultural blindspots.

Lecture 9 01:57

As we discuss cultural similarities and differences, it's very important not to stereotype. We'll learn about a model called the dimensions of difference that allows us to see dominant trends in different cultures. We'll be using this model throughout the course.

Lecture 10 03:40

What are the stages of culture shock? Find out in this lecture.

Lecture 11 01:37

In this lecture, we will learn about some strategies to effectively deal with culture shock.

Lecture 12 1 page

Based on what we've learned in this section, take some time to write out your own personal plan to deal with culture shock.

Lecture 13 1 page

Based on what we've learned in this section, connect how your values affect your behavior.

Section 4: What does on time mean? Different Attitudes Toward Time Lecture 14 04:02

There are different attitudes toward time in the US and India. Learn how being early or late is perceived in the US. And learn how you can bridge the gap between the different attitudes toward time in the US and India.

Lecture 15 1 page

In this exercise, we look at a case study of Indian workers in the US involving a misunderstanding with attitudes toward time. Based on what we've learned, see if you can bridge the gap.

Lecture 16 1 slide

Think about where you fall on the time dimension. Compare yourself to colleagues you currently work with. Notice where there is a gap, and consider ways to bridge the gap.

Lecture 17 1 page

Learn why being on time is so important to Americans, how this impacts working in the US, and some common phrases associated with this value.

Section 5: When can I say no? Different Communication Styles Lecture 18 03:46

Learn how to avoid the misunderstandings that can happen when people with direct and indirect communication styles work together.

Lecture 19 2 pages

Learn more about the American preference for direct communication, how this impacts working in the US, and some common phrases associated with this value.

Lecture 20 1 page

Based on what we've learned in this section, try this exercise and use a direct communication style to say "no".

Section 6: Whos in charge? Hierarchy in the US and India Lecture 21 03:57

Learn some of the key differences in attitudes toward hierarchy in the US and India. And learn how to avoid the misunderstandings that can happen when people with different attitudes toward hierarchy work together.

Lecture 22 02:57

Learn the cultural norms regarding age and gender in US workplaces and how to avoid misunderstandings in these areas.

Lecture 23 1 page

Use this self-assessment exercise to find out what your attitude is toward hierarchy.

Section 7: How do I work with others? Teamwork in the US and India Lecture 24 03:57

Learn the concepts that many US mangers want their Indian workers to know when working on a team.

Lecture 25 1 page

Use this self-assessment exercise to find out if you're more group oriented or individualistic.

Section 8: How do I make a good impression? How to Present Yourself Well in the US Lecture 26 02:03

Are you presenting yourself well? Learn what is acceptable and unacceptable US workplaces.

Lecture 27 4 pages

Review these best practices to make sure you're presenting yourself well.

Section 9: How do I get people to read my emails? Email Writing Quick Tips Lecture 28 05:19

Learning how to write effective emails can save you time, increase your credibility with colleagues, and also increase your value at work. Learn some quick tips and examples on writing effective emails.

Lecture 29 1 page

Review this email writing checklist to make sure your email reflects you well.

Section 10: Can I take this call? Cell Phone Use in the US Lecture 30 02:14

There are some differences in cell phone use in the US and India. Learn the dos and don'ts of cell phone etiquette.

Quiz 2 6 questionsSection 11: Supplementary Material Lecture 31 3 pages

Learn some useful American phrases for a variety of situations.

Lecture 32 1 page

Review some of the key cultural comparisons between the US and India.

Section 12: Conclusion Lecture 33 1 page

Now that you've completed all the lectures, quizzes, and exercises, review your awareness and strategies for bridging the gap in the future.

Lecture 34 01:37

Congratulations! You've worked hard, done exercises, read supplementary documents, and reflected on a number of culture and communication issues. Let's review all the hard work you've done and what you've learned.

Full curriculum




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