Assignment (Unit 1): Introduction to IACD MOOC

1. Gender:
-Female
2. Age:
-20 to 24
3. Nationality:
-Filipino
4. Education:
-Undergraduate University Student
5. Programme of Study
-Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
6. How long have you lived outside your home country(for studies or work?)
-I have never studied/worked outside my home country
7. How often in your daily life do you happen to communicate with people from other
countries?
-Sometimes

Assignment (Unit 2): What is Culture? Concepts of Culture. Approaches

in Defining Culture

Draft a short cultural guide for a group of international students who are planning to visit
your country for a month. Include some information related to (please answer with up to
1000 – 1500 characters):

Cultural Guide for International Students Visiting the Philippines

Geography, History, Climate

The Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, known for its beautiful
beaches, mountains, and tropical forests. Historically, it has been influenced by
Spain, the U.S., and Japan, resulting in a rich, mixed culture. The climate is tropical,
with a rainy season (June to November) and a dry season (December to May).

Economy and Business

The Philippines has a growing economy, driven by services, manufacturing,

agriculture, and remittances from overseas workers. The business culture is formal,
with a strong emphasis on hierarchy, relationships, and respect for authority.

Political Structure

The Philippines is a democratic republic with a president as head of state. It follows a

system with executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and there’s active
participation in political processes.

Language

Filipino and English are the official languages. English is widely used in education and
business, but learning basic Filipino phrases will be appreciated.
Religious Beliefs

The majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, reflecting centuries of Spanish influence.
Religious events and traditions play a significant role in social life.

Ethnic Groups

The country is home to various ethnic groups, the largest being Tagalog, Cebuano,
Ilocano, and others. There is a general sense of unity despite this diversity, often
described as "Filipino hospitality."

Gender Equality

While traditionally patriarchal, the Philippines has made significant strides in gender
equality. Women play active roles in both the professional and political spheres.

Negotiations

Filipinos value relationship-building, so negotiations often start with informal

conversations. Direct confrontation is avoided, and decisions are usually made after
consensus.

Communication with Co-workers

Filipinos tend to communicate indirectly, with respect for authority and sensitivity to
others' feelings. Use of honorifics and politeness are important in the workplace.

System of Education

The Philippines follows the K-12 system, with public and private schools. Higher
education is a priority, with many students pursuing degrees in various fields.

Style of Communication – Greetings, Gestures, Formality

Greetings are usually polite and formal, with a handshake or a slight nod. Elders are
greeted with respect using phrases like "po" and "opo." Gestures like pointing are
considered impolite.

Gift Giving

Gift-giving is common during special occasions or visits. Small, thoughtful gifts are
appreciated, though extravagant ones might make the recipient uncomfortable.

Entertaining, Food, Going Out with Friends

Meals are central to Filipino culture, often shared with family or friends. Socializing
over food is common, with gatherings often revolving around dishes like adobo,
sinigang, or lechon.

Business Etiquette

In business settings, punctuality and formality are important. Business cards are
exchanged during introductions, and attire is usually formal or semi-formal.

Leadership and Management Style

 Leadership tends to be hierarchical, with decisions often made by senior leaders.
However, managers are expected to be approachable and foster a family-like
atmosphere within the team.

Assignment (Unit 3): Dimensions of Culture – Cultural Distances between

Countries: Identity, Power, Gender, Uncertainty, Time and Gratification of Needs

1. In which country do people have to be most loyal to the group?

-South Korea

2. Being proud of yourself is called

-Monumentalism

3. Which cultural group is happier?

-Latin America

4. The cultural dimension “Power Distance” is related to the different solutions to the
basic problem of human inequality.
-True

5. If you are from Long-Term Oriented society, you should:

-Avoid talking too much about yourself.

Assignment (Unit 4): Cultural Taxonomies. A Critical Approach to Cultural

Taxonomies

1. Which of the following statements applies to Large Power Distance?

-Subordinates expect to be told what to do

2. Which of the following countries are with high Uncertainty Avoidance index? (please
choose the 3 correct answers)
-Russia, Arab ctrs, Mexico

3. Please connect the term to its description SORT ELEMENTS

-Masculinity: A society in which emotional gender roles are distinct: men should
be assertive, tough, and focused on material success, while women focus on the
quality of life.
-Femininity: A society in which emotional gender roles overlap: both men and
women are supposed to be modest, tender, and focused on the quality of life

4. Which of the following statements refer to the Long-Term oriented societies? (please
choose 3 relevant)
-Secondary school students perform well at mathematics.
-People/businesses prefer large saving quotes and big funds available for
investments.
-Secondary school students underrate their own math results.
5. Which of the following statements refer to the Restrained societies? (please choose 3
relevant)
-What happens to me is not my doing
-Pessimism, cynicism
-Work ethic

Assignment (Unit 5): World Values Survey

For each of the following, indicate how important it is in your life and ask the same
questions to your friends or relatives. Compare the answers.
Would you say it is:
1. Family (where 1=Very Important; 5=Not at All Important):
-1

2. Friends (where 1=Very Important; 5=Not at All Important):

-3

3. Religion (where 1=Very Important; 5=Not at All Important):

-1

4. Would you say you are:

- Not very happy

5. Here is a list of qualities that children can be encouraged to learn at home.

Which, if any, do you consider to be especially important? (please choose up
to 5)
-Independence, Hard work, Feeling of responsibility

Assignment (Unit 6): Understanding Ethnic and Cultural Diversity –

Multicultural Citizenship and Ethnic Identity

1. Which of the below is not related to the concept of race?

- food culture

2. The way “we” and the “others” are distinct from each other through social
and cultural difference, language, and ancestry is called…..
-ethnicity

3. Which of the following is among the reasons of increased cultural diversity

-all of the above

4. Which of the following forms a multicultural society?

-all of the above

Assignment (Unit 7): Linguistic Barriers as Hidden Dimensions of Culture

1. Is it appropriate to use technical language in a conversation you are having

with a newly acquainted person in a social event that is not working in the
same field as you?
-It would only be appropriate if the conversation was in a professional
capacity, with a person familiar with the choice of words.
2. Which of the below defines what gestures are?
-all the above

3. Which of the following is NOT among the hidden language barriers of

communication?
-stuttering
4. Which of the following is specific to low context cultures?
-privacy and space are more highly valued

Assignment (Unit 8): Understanding Gender and Gender Roles in

Different Cultural Contexts

1. Watch the video: To understand more the concepts of Masculinity and

Femininty and how some societies can be categorized as masculine or
feminine watch this video of Geert Hofstede on Masculinity versus
Femininity, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXK3Z88feXs
Please share and reflect on experiences of yours with different body languages
depending on people’s gender, ethnic origin and cultural background (up to 1500
characters).

-Overview of Geert Hofstede's concept of "Masculinity vs. Femininity" and help

you reflect on body language differences based on gender, ethnicity, and cultural
background.
In Hofstede's framework, "Masculinity" refers to societies that value traits like
competition, assertiveness, and material success. In contrast, "Femininity" refers
to societies that prioritize relationships, care for the weak, and quality of life. In
masculine cultures (e.g., Japan, the US), traditional gender roles are more
pronounced, while feminine cultures (e.g., Sweden, Netherlands) promote gender
equality and cooperation.
Reflecting on body language:

Gender: I’ve noticed how body language changes based on gender. In many
cultures, men might maintain broader, more open postures, signaling dominance
or confidence, while women may adopt more reserved or modest postures, often
subconsciously due to social expectations. These patterns can reflect the
masculine-feminine societal structures Hofstede describes.
Ethnicity: Different ethnic groups have distinct body language norms. In more
collective cultures, like in many parts of Asia (considered more feminine in
Hofstede’s terms), I’ve noticed people stand closer together and use more subtle,
restrained gestures. On the other hand, in more individualistic (often masculine)
cultures like the US, gestures can be larger, personal space is more valued, and
direct eye contact is seen as a sign of confidence.
Cultural Background: Cultural upbringing strongly influences how comfortable
people are with touch, proximity, and eye contact. In Latin cultures, physical
closeness and expressive body movements are common, which can sometimes
be interpreted as overly assertive or intimate in more reserved cultures.
These experiences highlight the subtle ways culture shapes our physical
interactions with others, aligning with Hofstede's masculine and feminine
dimensions.
 2. What is gender?
- A concept that may change over time and space

3. Fill in the blanks: ……………… is related to what it means to belong to a

certain gender in a particular society
-Gender role

4. In what areas there is discrimination in the society towards women?

-All the above

5. What is the hegemonic masculinity?

-Men of dominance are represented as the ideal masculinity of a particular
society

Assignment (Unit 9): European Identity and European Values – United in Diversity

1. In which part of European history can we search the first form of democratic society?
- Greece – Polise of Athens

2. Ancient Roman Empire had a large area and a huge number of inhabitants. What kind
of knowledge was developed because of this?
- Art of governing, Roman law

3. When was Christianity first proclaimed as the religion of state?

- Already in the Roman empire: first it was persecuted, then it was allowed then it
was declared as the religion of state

4. Humanism was the era when people rediscovered the joy of life – When?
- in Renaissance.

5. For which countries brought the Renaissance the highest development?

- for Italy and the Low countries (Netherlands)

6. When did the differences between the Western European and Eastern European
countries grow so high that Eastern Europe finally got periphery-role?
- At the age of discoveries when Western European countries got incredibly rich by
the colonization

7. What was the main reason of World War I?

- New, enriching countries (e.g. Germany, Japan) also wanted colonies

Assignment (Unit 10): Europe 2020: the Current State of EU Identity and Diversity

1. How many member countries does the United Nations have?

- 193
 2. According to most of the country/nation brands indexes, most of the best (top 10)
country/nation brands are:
- European

3. The culture dimension of Simon Anholt’s nation brand hexagon contains:

- Cultural heritage, contemporary culture and excellence at sports

4. Simon Anholt’s nation brand hexagon represents the following areas:

- Export, governance, culture, people, tourism, investment and immigration

5. Which is the country that provided the opportunity to vote online for the 2019
European Parliament elections?
- Estonia.

6. Which country has two official international names where one of the names is Suomi?
-Finland

7. The most famous county logo (destination branding logo) was created for:
- Ireland’

Assignment (Unit 11): European Identity and Values Reflected in Culture

1. Europe as a geographical unit is:

- the second smallest continent, after Australia.

2. The shared values of the European Union are:

- Human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, human rights.

3. The motto of the European Union is:

- United in diversity.

4. The European Union has now:

- 27 member countries.

5. he brands Spotify and H&M are coming from:

- Sweden.

6. Swarowski and Red Bull are coming from:

- Austria.

7. Adidas, Puma and Hugo Boss are:

- German brands

8. Skype was invented in:

- Estonia

9. he brand name LEGO comes from the expression:

- “Leg god!” (Play well!) in Danish.
 10. The most valuable German brand is:
- Mercedes-Benz.

11. France is famous for its:

- Luxury fashion brands.

12. Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat:

- are all Italian car brands.

Assignment (Unit 12): Europe’s Intercultural HQ: Report from Brussels

1. What institutions can be considered as the predecessor of the European Union?

- Both of the above (first ECSC, then EEC).

2. When was the European Union formally established?

- In 1992 (Maastricht Treaty) ―later reformed in 2009 (Lisbon Treaty).

3. EU assures Integral Single Market among its members – what does it mean?
- Free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market.

4. Who are the members of the European Council?

- The Prime Ministers of the Member states.

5. Which institution(s) has/have to approve the new laws?

- European Parliament and Council of the European Union.

6. Who is responsible for the LAW-initiation work (preparation of laws) in EU?

- European Commission.

7. Representatives of the European Parliament are:

- Directly elected in their home country.

Assignment (Unit 13): Introduction to Communication Studies

1. Communication studies:
- is the academic discipline that deals with processes of human communication.

2. COMMUNICATION comes from Latin word communicate, which means:

- to share

3. What are the basic steps of communication?

- message encoding and decoding.

4. One-way communication is:

- Linear model of communication.

5. In Berlo’s Sender-Message-Chanel-Receiver Model of Communication Sender is for:

- communication skills, and attitude, knowledge, social system, cultural system.

6. Claude Elwood Shannon published A Mathematical Theory of Communication article

in two parts in the July and October numbers of the Bell System Technical Journal IN:
 - 1948.

7. emantic Noise means:

- different interpretations of the meanings of certain words in communication.

8. Defensive Communication is:

- communication that can be aggressive.

9. When you are clear in communication…

- you stick to the point and keep it brief.

10. Data means:

- uninterpreted and unanalyzed facts.

Assignment (Unit 14): Intercultural Communication: Culture as a Frame for

Communication

1. The term “culture” was first associated with:

- farming or animal husbandry

2. The first one to use the term “culture” for all of achievements of society was:
- Cicero

3. What are the main fields of culture?

- Material, spiritual, political

4. What are the types of communication?

- Interpersonal, social, intercultural

5. The language codes include:

- Language, para-language, non-language

6. Internal outcomes from the Pyramid Model means, that:

- a summary of attitudes, knowledge and skills, as well as internal results, is
demonstrated through individual behavior and communication.

7. Intercultural competencies are:

- the ability to develop targeted knowledge, skills, and attitudes that lead to visible
behavior and communication.

8. “L” in the acronym LOVE, which is used to describe skills in the Intercultural
Competence Framework, means:
- Listening

9. Acquiring intercultural sensitivity is a process which consists of:

- Research (theory) and application (practice) of knowledge regarding different
cultures, their differences and similarities

10. The Iceberg metaphor should be understand as:

 - the factors that create culture, divide it into those elements that are visible and
those that are hidden

Assignment (Unit 15): Culture Matters: the Role of Cultural Factors in Intercultural
Communication

1. It is considered that the founder of the theory of intercultural communication is:

- Edward T. Hall.

2. What does the iceberg concept of culture reveal?

- Hidden dimensions of cultures.

3. Why is culture compared to an onion?

- The metaphor of an onion is often used to describe the different layers of culture.

4. patial distance – the size of “protection zone” – depends on:

- Both the lace of upbringing and the communication situation

5. Describing cultures as high- and low-context refers to:

- the way of communication

6. Which of the following cultures is classified as a low-context culture?

- Germany

7. Low-context societies are characterized by:

- Individualism

8. High-context cultures are not characterized by:

- Direct and clear message transmission

9. What characterizes monochronic cultures?

- Explicit meaning, verbal communications, low level of commitment, time highly
organized.

10. What countries are polychronic?

- Latin American, African, Arab

Assignment (Unit 16): Business Etiquette and Protocol: Do’s and Don’ts When
Conducting Business in Specific Cultures/Countries

1. Business ethics is:

- a code of conduct, a set of behaviors which are used to prove being a professional.

2. The most common form of business greetings in Europe and North America is:
- shaking hands

3. Words, which sound similar in various languages, but have completely different
meaning, are called:
- false friends
4. Phrases, which keep their meaning only in a language, that they come from and
should not be literally translated into any other language, are called:
- idioms

5. Small talk is:

- introduction to the proper conversation

6. Non-verbal communication contains:

- all behaviors except for words and conversation

7. Public sphere in interpersonal distance is a range of:

- between 122 and 360 cm

8. What are the preferences for eye contact all over the world?
- Europe and North America require eye contact during conversation, Asians avoid
eye contact during conversation

9. What is the action of the word “but” used in a sentence?

- it cancels everything that came before it

10. What are the main emotions to be read on our face?

- surprise, disgust, happiness, anger, fear, sadness.

You are looking for some investors for your new project and there is a very good
chance to present your ideas. You heard that world-renowned businessman – Mr.
Smith from Great Britain in Europe – is going to visit your city. He is known for his rich
investments all over the world. Therefore, you decide to meet him and check,
whether he could be also your investor. Your assistant arranges an appointment. Mr.
Smith agrees to meet you and informs that he will be accompanied by a person who
knows well the topic you want to talk about – Professor Jones. You are about to
organise this business meeting at your office. You know Mr. Smith will come together
with Professor Jones, so you decide to ask one of your most experienced employees
to join the meeting and share some advice. And you have also this new guy in your
company, he works here only for a month now, but he looks like he knows what he’s
doing. You might also need his opinion during this meeting. And definitely your
assistant – no one takes notes as accurately as she does, she also has to be there.
And there it’s time for the meeting. There they come, Mr. Smith looks exactly like you
imagined him, but Professor Jones appears to be a woman. After a few words of
greetings, both guests hand you’re their business cards. Then you all shall sit at the
table. After a short small-talk, you can finally do your business. 1) Seat your guest at
the table. What will be the order of seating? Where should which person be seated?
(please answer up to 1000 – 1500 characters)

- Head of the Table: As the host, you should occupy the head of the table. This
position signifies authority and allows you to facilitate the discussion effectively.

Mr. Smith: Position Mr. Smith to your right. As a renowned businessman and the main
guest, he should be seated in a place of prominence, allowing for easy interaction
and engagement with you.
 Professor Jones: Place Professor Jones to your left. Since she is knowledgeable about
the topic of discussion, this positioning allows for direct communication between you
and her, encouraging her to contribute to the conversation without being
overshadowed by Mr. Smith.

Experienced Employee: Your most experienced employee should sit across from you.
This placement allows him to easily interact with both Mr. Smith and Professor Jones,
as well as contribute valuable insights from a neutral position.

New Employee: The new employee can sit beside the experienced employee. This
arrangement allows him to observe the dynamics of the meeting and gain insights
while still being able to contribute if necessary.

Assistant: Finally, your assistant should sit slightly apart, possibly at the end of the
table, with access to materials and a clear view of everyone for accurate note-taking.

This seating arrangement fosters a respectful and collaborative environment,

facilitating open communication while ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to
contribute to the meeting.

Assignment (Unit 17): Effective Strategies for Working in Multicultural Business

Environments

 Enjoy watching a YouTube video about body language and cultural gaffs beyond your
borders presented by Jody Olsen (available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=haohj1sVnyk)

Think about body language and gestures that are specific for your cultural society. Are
they different or like the examples shown in the video? Can you give an example of a
very specific gesture commonly used by people in your environment. (please answer
with up to 1000-1500 characters)

- After watching Jody Olsen's video on body language and cultural gaffes, it’s clear that
non-verbal communication varies significantly across cultures. In my cultural society,
certain gestures are common and may differ from those highlighted in the video.

For instance, a prevalent gesture in the Philippines is the "mano" gesture, where a
younger person takes the elder's hand and gently presses it to their forehead. This
gesture is a sign of respect and is often used during greetings or farewells. It symbolizes
honoring one's elders and acknowledging their wisdom, which is deeply rooted in Filipino
culture.

In contrast to some Western cultures, where a firm handshake is the norm, the "mano"
gesture reflects a more familial and respectful approach. Additionally, while maintaining
eye contact is important in many cultures as a sign of confidence, in the Philippines, it
can be seen as rude or confrontational, especially when interacting with elders.

Another example is the use of the "thumbs up" gesture, which in some cultures is a sign
of approval. However, in the Philippines, it can also be interpreted as a way of saying
"okay" or "all good," similar to its meaning in other cultures. Overall, while some
gestures may be similar, the context and cultural significance can lead to different
 interpretations and implications. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective
cross-cultural communication.

Assignment (Unit 18):

Assignment 1 (Unit 18)

Assignment 2 (Unit 18)

13. . What did you like most about the IACD MOOC? The IACD MOOC was a rich learning
experience, and several aspects stood out:

- Diverse Perspectives: The course brought together participants from various cultural
backgrounds, enriching discussions and offering diverse viewpoints on intercultural
communication.
Practical Applications: The inclusion of real-world examples and case studies helped
illustrate key concepts, making it easier to understand how intercultural communication
plays out in everyday situations.
Interactive Learning: The format encouraged active participation through forums and group
activities, which fostered engagement and deeper understanding of the material.
Expert Insights: Access to knowledgeable instructors and guest speakers added depth to the
learning experience, providing insights based on their own intercultural experiences.
Comprehensive Content: The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, from body
language to cultural dimensions, allowing for a holistic understanding of intercultural
dynamics.
Flexibility: The online format provided flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling, making it
easier to balance learning with other commitments.

Overall, the combination of diverse perspectives, practical applications, and engaging

content made the IACD MOOC a valuable educational experience.

14. Please share any further feedback or recommendation for improvement of the IACD
MOOC?

-Enhanced Interactivity: While the course included group activities, incorporating

more interactive elements, such as live Q&A sessions or real-time discussions, could
further enhance participant engagement and foster community.
Resource Accessibility: Providing additional resources, such as reading materials,
videos, or podcasts related to course topics, could help deepen understanding and
support learners who want to explore specific areas further.
Feedback Mechanism: Implementing a structured feedback mechanism for
participants to share their experiences could help course organizers understand
strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring the course evolves to meet learner
needs.
Networking Opportunities: Creating dedicated spaces for networking and
collaboration among participants could facilitate long-term connections and
professional relationships, extending the benefits of the course beyond its duration.
Assessment Options: Offering more varied assessment methods, such as quizzes,
reflective essays, or practical projects, could cater to different learning styles and
provide a more comprehensive evaluation of understanding.
 Cultural Deep Dives: Including modules that focus on specific cultures or regions
could enrich the learning experience, allowing participants to gain a more nuanced
understanding of intercultural communication in various contexts.

Overall, these recommendations could further enhance the IACD MOOC, making it an
even more impactful learning experience.

15. Are you preparing a digital story to obtain the Intercultural Passport certificate?
-Yes

16. What is your digital story about and when are you planning to submit it?
- m not yet sure but, planning about it also.