Standard

R State Standard £ Developed College: n/a

BUS 1310 – Introduction to Business Culture

Course Description

Prepares the individual’s skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively both professionally and interpersonally in the workplace. Topics include: health and wellness; exercise; stress, time, and money management; work ethics; wardrobe on the job; workplace communications; and business entertainment, travel, and international culture.

Competency Areas	Hours
Health and Wellness	Class	5
Exercise	D. Lab	0
Stress, Time, and Money Management	P. Lab/O.B.I.	0
Work Ethics	Credit	5
Wardrobe on the Job
Workplace Communications
Business Entertainment, Travel, and International Culture

Prerequisite: Program admission

Corequisite:

Course Guide

Competency		After completing this section, the student will be able to:	Hours
			Class	D.Lab	P.Lab/ O.B.I.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS			6	0	0
Self esteem	Discuss the importance of self-esteem.
	Describe how self-esteem develops.
Hygiene fundamentals	Discuss the importance of health in the workplace.
	Discuss the value of preventive health practices.
Grooming	Discuss the importance of grooming for the workplace.
	Discuss good grooming practices for work.
	Develop appropriate grooming practices for face.
Hair decisions	Select a hairstyle that fits professional lifestyle.
	Select grooming aids that enable to keep hair well groomed.
Nutrition basics	Evaluate the nutrients needed for good nutrition.
	Identify and avoid foods which contribute little nutrition to good diet.
	Plan a diet that meets nutritional needs.
	Set goals for a healthy lifestyle.
	Maintain a food log for a minimum of two weeks.
	Overcome barriers to maintaining a balanced diet.
EXERCISE			20	0	0
Develop and maintain an exercise program	Maintain an exercise log throughout the course.
	Exercise 45 minutes at least twice per week.
	Select an exercise plan that fits schedule, facilities, environment, personal preference, age, size, body type, and social needs.
	Choose exercise that meets cardiovascular fitness needs.
	Measure level of fitness using a target heart rate.
	Analyze individual body proportions.
STRESS, TIME, AND MONEY MANAGEMENT			3
Stress management	Identify energy robbers.
	Describe how mental and physical energy work together.
	Identify the nature and symptoms of stress.
	Identify adaptive and coping resources for stress.
Time management	Discuss the benefits of managing time.
	Discuss perceptions and strategies for managing time.
Money management	Discuss perceptions and causes of money problems.
	Determine ways to take control of personal money.
	Discuss uses and hazards of credit.
WORK ETHICS			9	0	0
Business integrity and confidentiality	Discuss the importance of using discretion in personal and professional interactions.
	Anticipate the behavior and attitudes people encountered on the job.
Peer relations, conflicts, and teamwork	Determine appropriate and inappropriate discussion topics for the workplace.
	Understand the importance of being industrious, cooperative, and eager to learn and assist.
	Follow the chain of command – work with peers, subordinates, and superiors.
	Distinguish between positive and negative attitudes.
	Demonstrate a positive attitude.
	Separate home from work.
	Learn company policies.
	Determine what constitutes gossip.
	Develop social skills necessary for daily communication.
	Develop the ability to listen and follow oral and written instructions.
	Weigh criticisms carefully and phrase them in a way that will improve the situation.
Absenteeism	Discuss acceptable and unacceptable reasons for missing work.
	Discuss the importance of attending work regularly and being on time.
Office politics	Become aware of the formal and informal system in an organization.
WORKPLACE COMMUNICATIONS			4	0	0
Written	Discuss the purposes of thank you notes.
	Prepare thank you notes/letters.
	Discuss appropriate responses to invitations.
Listening	Recognize active listening behavior.
	Demonstrate active listening behavior.
	Identify barriers to poor listening.
Oral	Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
	Operate the telephone as a means of business communication.
	Apply use of proper telephone skills and etiquette.
Nonverbal	Recognize different types of nonverbal communication.
	Adopt postures that will improve appearance.
WARDROBE ON THE JOB			4	0	0
Clothing basics	Evaluate personal standard for appearance as it relates to professional development.
	Understand the implications of personal appearance for succeeding in field.
Clothing personalized	Recognize suitable business attire.
	Recognize the characteristics of a business suit.
	Determine the attire appropriate for an interview.
	Select appropriate accessories for effective business wear.
	Assemble a business wardrobe appropriate for first business job.
	Judge good fit for business clothes.
	Care for business clothes to protect investment and remain well dressed.
	Select styles that work with personal body structure.
	Select colors that compliment personal complexion.
BUSINESS ENTERTAINMENT, TRAVEL, AND INTERNATIONAL CULTURE			4	0	0
Business travel	Discuss sources of help in making business travel arrangements.
	Demonstrate appropriate table manners.
International culture	Recognize cultural differences.
	Identify barriers to communications.
	Develop intercultural communication skills.

Suggested Resources

Media Print Audio/Visual (AV) Web Other
Print	DuPont, M.K (1998). Crisp Business Etiquette & Professionalism, Revised Edition. CENGAGE Learning, ISBN 9781560524755 or 1560524758.
	Izumo, G., C. Carter, & C. Ozee. Keys to Career Success: How to Achieve Your Goals, 2^nd ed. Prentice Hall, ISBN 9780130911834 or 0130911836.
	Sabath, A. M. (2002). Business Etiquette. Career Press, Inc, ISBN 9781564146144 or 1564146146.
	Sherfield, R. M., R. J. Montgomery, & P. G. Moody (2008). Cornerstone: Discovering Your Potential, Learning Actively and Living Well, Concise Edition, 5^th ed. Prentice Hall, ISBN 9780132235570 or 0132235579.

Posted: 10/27/08