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Standard III. Environment...Achievement Standard: Describe the social,
cultural, political, legal, and economic factors that shape and impact
the international business environment.
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| A. Social/culture | |
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Level
3 (Secondary) - Performance Expectations: : Identify distinctive
social and cultural factors affecting business activities.
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FROM ALLAH TO ZEUS: RELIGION IN COMMERCE (How Religious and Cultural Holydays, Holidays, and Festivals Impact on International Business) |
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TIME
REQUIRED:
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Three
class periods (150 minutes)
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RECOMMENDED
GRADE:
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Grades
9-12
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MAJOR
CONCEPTS:
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INSTRUCTIONAL
OBJECTIVES:
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Students
will
1. Identify the major religions of the world 2. Identify the basic tenets of the various religions 3. Identify the religious holydays and social and cultural holidays and festivals 4. Describe the impact on the various religions in international commerce 5. Identify the impact of the religious and cultural holidays and festivals and how they could adversely affect the conducting of business Key Terms:
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MATERIALS:
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1.
Crossword puzzle, multiple choice quiz, and holiday schedule handouts
2. Travel guides, such as Fodor's 3. Filmstrip, video, CD-ROM, computer inter-active program, or hardcopy (teacher's choice) of the various religions |
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RATIONALE:
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Religious
beliefs influence the behaviors of members of many cultural groups, including
numerous businesspersons. Such beliefs influence how people view
the world. Some cultural groups are dominated by one religion; business
dealings in these cultures must be in harmony with the prevailing beliefs.
Then, some countries have several major religions; business persons there
must respect the value choices of the various religions' practices.
In other countries religion is not a major social factor. The relationship
between religions and business is controversial--particularly in the eyes
of many Americans. Arguments can be raised that the various religions
both encourage and discourage business activities. Additionally,
the non-religious cultural holidays and festivals and vacation schedules
can affect business and commerce in a nation.
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PROCEDURE:
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1. To open lesson present to the students information on the five major religions of the world (other religions can be added at instructor's option); presentation style at the choice of the instructor, including lecture. Have students note the basic characteristics of each of the religions--history, basic beliefs, geographic location, identifying symbols and rituals, and current status and influence. 2. Discuss the impact of religion in international business dealings. (Suggested beginning reference are the books by Roger E. Axtell). Contrast the importance of religion in other countries with the United States. 3. Discuss with students the need to know the dates and impact of holydays, holidays, and festivals on transacting business in various countries. Have students select a specific country and identify these days and how the observance or celebration will affect international business. Have students present these to the class, if possible using a computer presentations program. 4. Distribute the handouts to the students for completion.
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| EVALUATION: | 1. Evaluate students' presentation on country of choice, including
sources of reference.
2. Collect and score correctness of student handouts. 3. Include questions in unit/quarter/semester evaluations.
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AUTHOR:
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Jim
Beistle, Unity High School (ret.), Balsam Lake, WI.
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EDITORS:
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Les
Dlabay, Lake Forrest College, Wildwood, IL.
Robert
Ristau, Eastern Michigan University (ret.), Ypsilanti, MI.
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Click here to download Microsoft Word version of the plan including handouts. |
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