OLS 530:CBE1-Global Leadership

OLS 530 · Global Leadership

Milestone 1 Assignment

Assignment Purpose

This assignment focuses on cultural difference as it appears in real workplace environments. Students will develop a structured, professional framework for understanding and appropriately navigating cultural differences in organizational settings. The emphasis is on leadership judgment, communication, and organizational context rather than abstract theory.

Assignment Overview

Students will analyze a workplace situation involving cultural difference and apply a structured framework to explain how a professional or leader should navigate the situation effectively. This assignment includes both a written analysis and a short video presentation using the student’s real voice and likeness.

Assignment Deliverables

Essay: Written Deliverable

Length: 1,000–1,250 words

Format: Professional analytical paper or executive style memo, APA 7 style (see example student paper for setup here).

Note: For this milestone you do not need to include outside sources in your essay.

Video Presentation

Students must submit a 3–5 minute video presentation using their real voice and likeness presenting the topic.

Note: This presentation should reflect your own voice and presence. You are not evaluated on presentation style, speaking ability, or production quality, and there is no expectation to re record or edit for minor mistakes. Natural pauses, small errors, or informal delivery are completely acceptable. AI generated voices or avatars are not permitted. If you need an accommodation for video presentations, please reach out to Student Support Services.

Recommended Recording Tools

Laptop / PC RecorderKalturaLoom.comPowerPoint CameoOther Video Software

Assignment Instructions

Step 1: Select a Workplace Context

Option A: Personal Workplace Experience

Identify a workplace situation you have experienced where differences in values, communication style, expectations, or professional norms influenced interaction or outcomes.

Option B: Provided Workplace Scenario

A cross functional project team includes employees with differing communication styles, expectations around authority, and approaches to feedback and deadlines. In this scenario, misunderstandings begin to emerge, resulting in frustration and reduced collaboration among the team.

Step 2: Develop a Cultural Navigation Framework

Address all three components below:

1Understanding Cultural Difference

Explain what types of differences may be influencing behavior, focusing on values, expectations, or communication norms.

2Organizational Context

Explain how workplace structure, leadership expectations, or organizational norms shape how differences appear.

3Appropriate Navigation

Explain how a professional or leader should adapt communication or behavior to navigate the situation effectively.

Step 3: Professional Judgment and Reflection

Explain how your framework supports sound professional judgment and avoids assumptions or reactive decision making.