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edX

Strategic Communication for Global Business: The 36 Stratagems

MandarinX via edX

Overview

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In global business, successful communication involves more than choosing the right words. Professionals must recognize unspoken expectations, interpret changing signals, protect critical interests, and decide when to collaborate, negotiate, pause, or act.

This course introduces the 36 Stratagems as a practical framework for strategic communication and decision-making in modern professional settings. Rather than treating the stratagems as tricks or tools for manipulation, the course uses them to strengthen ethical judgment, cross-cultural awareness, and disciplined action.

Through historical narratives, contemporary business scenarios, executive decision points, knowledge checks, and reflection activities, you will learn how to:

  • Distinguish courtesy from genuine commitment
  • Identify hidden risks, leverage, and pressure points
  • Protect strategic assets and organizational interests
  • Communicate with influence across cultures
  • Respond thoughtfully to competition and uncertainty
  • Turn strategic insight into practical business decisions

Designed for managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, business development professionals, educators, and emerging leaders, this course is especially relevant to anyone working across organizations, industries, or cultures.

No prior knowledge of Chinese history or the Chinese language is required. By the end of the course, you will have a practical framework for reading complex situations, communicating with greater awareness, and making more confident strategic decisions in global business.

Syllabus

By completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Interpret hidden signals in professional interactions
  • Distinguish courtesy from genuine business commitment
  • Identify leverage, risk, and strategic pressure points
  • Protect critical organizational interests and assets
  • Communicate with influence across cultural contexts
  • Apply the 36 Stratagems ethically to business decisions

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