INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT: AT THE HEART OF THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN MANAGEMENT

Can you learn to manage teams from different cultures? While listening, respect, empathy and adaptability are essential if we are to take account of the specific characteristics of each individual, intercultural management can also be learned and become a major asset in motivating employees and turning differences into a driving force.

THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Times have changed. Today, a company can negotiate a contract in China, manage a team in Germany and launch a product in Brazil. What might have seemed like science fiction just a few decades ago is now a daily reality for many organisations. In this context, mastering intercultural management is not just a "plus" but a real imperative.

And why is that? Because behind every international interaction there are cultural differences: different ways of communicating, negotiating and even managing time. What is a compliment in one culture may be perceived as a lack of respect in another. These nuances, sometimes invisible, can be the key to a resounding success or the cause of an abject failure.

Let's take a concrete example. When a Japanese company works with an American start-up, the direct communication style of the Americans can confuse the Japanese, who often prefer subtlety and the unspoken. The result? A lack of understanding that can slow down projects and even jeopardise the business relationship. It is precisely to avoid these pitfalls that intercultural management comes into play.

But it's not just about understanding differences. Intercultural management goes further: it helps to transform these differences into strengths. A wise intercultural manager knows how to build bridges between cultures, find common ground and create synergies where others would see obstacles. This skill has become indispensable in a world where physical borders are increasingly disappearing, giving way to a veritable "global village".

And it's not just about business. Understanding and respecting other people's cultures also means demonstrating a certain open-mindedness and deep respect for others. In short, it's a working philosophy that goes well beyond the professional sphere.

At a time when companies are looking to recruit talent capable of evolving in multicultural environments, intercultural management is becoming a trump card. Not only does it promote the success of international projects, but it also profoundly enriches those who practise it.

It's not just a technical discipline, it's an invitation to see the world differently, to collaborate more intelligently and to learn from those who are different from us.

INTEGRATING INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT INTO THE BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN MANAGEMENT AT EDC PARIS BUSINESS SCHOOL

At EDC Paris Business School, intercultural management is much more than just a subject taught; it is an essential component in the training of future managers. From the first year of the Bachelor in Management, students are introduced to the challenges of cultural diversity through dedicated courses and interactive workshops.

The programme includes the 'International Communication' module, which aims to develop an awareness of cultural identities and an appreciation of diversity. Students learn to recognise cultural variations in communication styles and to understand how cultural values can influence behaviour.

At the same time, 'Soft Skills' courses enable students to build their personal development by promoting curiosity, autonomy, listening and communication skills. This integrated approach aims to enhance their employability by preparing them to work in multicultural environments.

This gradual immersion in intercultural management enables EDC Paris Business School students to develop key skills, such as adaptability, empathy and effective communication, which are essential for success in a globalised business world.

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO ENHANCE THEIR INTERCULTURAL SKILLS

At EDC Paris Business School, learning about intercultural management is not confined to the classroom. The school makes a point of offering its students concrete opportunities to come face to face with cultural diversity in the field. These practical experiences are at the heart of the school's teaching methods, enabling future graduates to become true citizens of the world.
The school has an extensive network of international partnerships with prestigious universities around the world. These international exchanges enable students to spend a semester or a full year in a foreign academic environment, where they can not only follow courses tailored to their specialisation, but also immerse themselves in a different culture and way of life. This total immersion transforms their vision of management and pushes them out of their comfort zone.

EDC Paris Business School encourages its students to undertake international placements, giving them the opportunity to work in multicultural teams and put their intercultural management skills into practice. This professional experience, often enriched by complex assignments, gives students a better understanding of the expectations and codes of companies abroad. Whether it's an internship in a Silicon Valley start-up or in a large company in Asia, these opportunities are sure to leave a lasting impression and add considerable value to a student's CV.

The school also organises collaborative projects in partnership with foreign institutions and companies. For example, students can take part in hackathons or case studies in teams with students from other countries. These initiatives prepare them to solve practical problems in a multicultural environment, while strengthening their ability to work with people from different backgrounds. These projects highlight the richness of cultural diversity, which lies at the heart of the challenges and opportunities of international management.

Finally, the EDC Paris Business School campus itself is a real crossroads of cultures. With students of over 40 different nationalities and alumni from 80 countries, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and open up to new perspectives. Events organised on campus, such as international days and intercultural meetings, help to enrich this daily learning and promote international exchanges between students.

By combining theory and practice, EDC Paris Business School prepares its students to become leaders capable of meeting the challenges of a globalised world. These international experiences are not only assets for their careers, they also contribute to their personal development, by opening their eyes to the richness and complexity of the world, in particular through immersion in a unique cultural diversity. A Bachelor's degree in Management can be the perfect entry point for those wishing to pursue an international career, thanks in particular to the possibility of obtaining a degree abroad in 3rd year.