Leading Global Teams and Engaging Across Cultures in Business, Engineering, and Technology (ENES472)

Curricular Leadership Experiences

ENES472 - Leading Global Teams and Engaging Across Cultures in Business, Engineering, and Technology (GenEd DVCC)

Available Fall 2022 (hybrid), Winter 2023 (abroad in Australia) and Spring 2023 (hybrid)! Register on Testudo now!

This course provides an intellectual and experiential forum for developing the interpersonal-intercultural communication and interaction skills necessary for international managers and travelers.

In a globalized world—characterized by the spread of products, technology, information, and jobs across national borders and cultures—the ability to work, manage and communicate in culturally diverse settings has become a key prerequisite for graduates.  ENES472 provides an overview of the role culture plays in international business and the unique issues that emerge due to cultural factors.  The course begins with an interrogation of one’s own cultural values, attitudes, and beliefs and then addresses those in other national and subnational cultures. Topics such as interpersonal communication, motivation, workplace conflict, team processes, business ethics, negotiation and decision-making are studied in the context of intercultural differences to highlight the complexities of a global workforce.  Case studies, media, role play and simulations will be used to explore and practice course concepts.  While students will primarily come from engineering and technology majors, the course content is relevant and applicable to anyone interested in developing cross-cultural competencies and cultivating a global mindset.

Course Learning Outcomes

The content and assignments from this course aim to help you: 

  1. Increase self-awareness through the exploration of values, beliefs, culture and identity. 
  2. Describe the concept of culture and explain how it influences attitudes, behaviors and practices at the individual, organizational, or societal levels.
  3. Compare and contrast two or more country cultures by examining business behaviors through cultural dimensions.
  4. Gain knowledge of theoretical frameworks of intercultural communication and its importance to global business and engineering.
  5. Develop skills to navigate and negotiate cross-cultural situations pertinent to business situations.

How can I apply this course to my degree program?

  • This course fulfills a GenEd Cultural Competence (DVCC) requirement.
  • Computer Engineering: Category F Elective
  • Electrical Engineering: General Technical Elective
  • Fire Protection Engineering: Technical Elective
  • Mechanical Engineering: Out-of-Major Technical Elective
  • Fulfills a minor requirement for students in the following minor programs:
    • International Engineering
    • Engineering Leadership Development
    • Global Engineering Leadership
    • Global Studies
  • Other majors/minors should reach out to their advisors to determine if this course can be applied to their degree program.

Meet Your Instructor

A headshot of Dr. Darren PierreDr. Darren Pierre is a lecturer in the Office of Global Engineering Leadership. Dr. Pierre's research is focused on college student development, student affairs profession, and leadership development. He has authored a book, book chapters, and journal articles focused on leadership and identity development. He carries years of experience as a university administrator, a leader within the field of higher education, and a contributor to many entity groups affiliated with higher education/student affairs.  He has spoken nationally on the ideals of leadership, integrity, and authenticity. Darren received his master's in Higher Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Maryland-College Park and his PhD in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia.

Minor students can register now in Testudo or contact the Office of Global Engineering Leadership to learn more!

If you are not currently enrolled in the Global Engineering Leadership Minor, please add yourself to the course holdfile and you will be added to the course should seats be available on the first day of classes.


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