New learning towards better understanding and adjustment in multi-cultural management society

Abstract

This classroom research aimed to develop students on 1) knowledge on Hofstede cultural theory and cultural management styles; 2) English skills; and 3) thinking skills, critical thinking, reading and writing skills, including interview and presenting in the classroom. The populations were 19 students enrolled in the Management Styles Learning: Cross-Cultural Management course for fiscal year 1/2551. They studied in Engineering, Humanities, Education, Veterinary Medicine and Economic faculties. The researcher had set lesson plans and used English for 20-40% in the classroom. The research tools and data analysis were based on students' portfolio, assignment on punctuality and time management including rewriting. Moreover, the researcher used foreign movies as media to improve students' understanding, critical thinking and writing skills. Finally, students in each group had to interview foreigners living in Chiang Mai on Thai society and cultural management style; then students had to present and submit a report. For academic achievement evaluation, the researcher used authentic assessment on 3 domains: knowledge and understanding; learning and working skills; and good attitude on responsibility, punctuality and time management, personality, group working, planning problem solving and English skills. The research results indicated that students had more knowledge and better understanding on the Hofstede cultural theory and cultural management styles at good level, students developed themselves on reading, writing, thinking, critical thinking, planning and problem solving, presenting skills and had good attitude towards English language. For the example of a student's statement "I had learnt multi-cultural management of each country that it could be useful for my basic knowledge to further study and working" . In conclusion, the researcher found that learning methods that depended on a student's center, real life, utility implementing and continuous development could enhance good attitude towards a student's learning and adjustment for living in a multi-cultural management society.