vcc.ca
GNED 3210: Multiculturalism in Business
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Hospitality Management App Deg
School
Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
Description
This course examines general cross-cultural topics and concepts as they relate to a business environment. Through exposing students to cross-cultural differences and commonalities, this course is aimed at developing awareness of their own culture and sensitivity toward other cultural mindsets. The course also gives students the opportunity to expand their cultural vocabulary and develop skills that enhance their ability to provide meaningful services in multicultural environments.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain key concepts related to culture and multiculturalism
- Explain how a cultural identity is constructed and how it affects individual beliefs, values and behaviour.
- Interact and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Describe the different layers of culture and how they relate to cultural and moral relativism.
- Compare and contrast cultural differences and commonalties using Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory and discuss how these differences and commonalities impact communication in a diverse workplace.
- Explain how ethnocentrism, prejudice, bias and unconscious bias relate to cross-cultural interactions.
- Identify the most common causes of cross-cultural conflict and apply critical reasoning skills on how they can be avoided or managed in the workplace.
- Identify the symptoms of culture shock and describe ways to potentially overcome it.
- Demonstrate ways in which hospitality services can be improved by individually and collectively developing cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
To learn more about the PLAR pathways for this course review the Bachelor of Hospitality Management Program Content Guide.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Case studies, peer instruction, in-class discussions, group work, individual reflection, field trips, group reflection.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D (50%)
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
Participation, preparedness and presence |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
|
|
Assignments |
10 |
Cultural sharing |
|
Reflect |
15 |
Class reflection assignment |
|
Project |
30 |
Lead a discussion on a multicultural topic |
|
Project |
25 |
Cultural Sensitivity Presentation |
Course topics
- Cultural identity and how culture is shared.
- Cultural relativism and moral relativism
- Layers of Culture
- What shapes culture (religion, class structure, traditions, gender roles)
- Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
- Language, Verbal and Non Verbal Cross-Cultural Communication
- Ethnocentrism, prejudice, bias and unconscious bias
- Cross-Cultural Conflict
- Real and Ideal culture
- Cultural sensitivity in the workplace.
- Culture shock and culture adaptation
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.