Overview
Background and Objectives
We use social influence every day at work—it helps us collaborate effectively with coworkers and clients. Influence isn’t just for sales and marketing; even routine work emails can be influential. Small changes to our messages and requests can make them far more persuasive. Everyone can improve their influencing ability by learning scientifically proven strategies. In this training, participants will learn these principles, practice them through exercises or homework. The course introduces influence, distinguishes it from persuasion and motivation, and covers two key principles with examples and evidence.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of Part I, you will be able to understand Foundational Influence Principles:
- Reciprocation – people want to trust and reciprocate to those who have helped them before, especially those who helped them to achieve their goals or they feel obligation to.
- Liking – people trust and listen to others who like them (or are like/similar/connected to them).
Upon completion of Part II, you will be able to leverage Social and Authority Influence:
- Consensus (Social Proof) – People often make decisions based on what the majority is doing or key referents (i.e. opinion leaders in their group), or a perceived large “group” of other people. That is, the group (or a few key ‘others’) can have a big influence on an individual (including you).
- Authority – People can be influenced by (seemingly) official authorities, credible experts, knowledgeable and trustworthy experts.
Upon completion of Part III, you will be able to apply Scarcity and Consistency for Persuasion:
- Scarcity – people want more of those things that there are less of (or cannot get)
- Consistency (Commitment) – people want to be consistent with what they have said or written publicly (like a goal or statement of what they will do)
Target Participants
All three parts of this programme are designed for business leaders and professionals in any industry or function, especially those who want to use scientifically proven influence strategies to improve collaboration, communication, and workplace persuasion. No prerequisite is required for any part. Additionally, it is recommended that Part II and Part III are taken only after completing the earlier parts.
Course ID
Part I: ASI – 104
Part II: ASI – 104II
Part III: ASI – 104III
Teaching Language
English
Mode of Delivery
Online
Programme Duration
For each part, the programme provides a series of self-paced video sessions for overall about 2 hours. Recommending an additional 2-3 hours self-directed learning on other materials including readings and assignments
Speaker
Prof. Ahlstrom, David
Emeritus Professor of Department of Management,CUHK Business School
Fees
Programme Fees
Part I: HK$4,000
Part II: HK$4,000
Part III: HK$4,000
Special Offers
- Alumni rate: CUHK/CUSCS/APIB Alumni can enjoy a 15% discount on the programme fee
- Corporate rate: Please contact our education professionals for details.
- Continuous Learning Offer: Additional 5%, 10% and 15% discount will be offered to applicants who have previously completed 1, 2 and 3 course(s) of the Online Programme within 24-month period, respectively.
FAQs
Course Concept & Core Advantages
Open Programmes are designed for executives and experienced managers across various industries who need to step away from day-to-day responsibilities to refresh their skills. It focuses on high-level peer interaction and gaining a global business perspective to navigate fast-changing environments. Examples include short seminars and leadership or management executive courses.
Open Programmes stand apart from Professional Certificate Programmes primarily in their academic credit structure, flexibility, and ultimate learning goals. Open Programmes are non-credit, short-term courses designed for active executives and senior managers who need rapid, practical insights to navigate changing business landscapes. They focus heavily on high-level networking, peer interaction, and immediate strategic refreshment without the pressure of formal assessments.
When compared to traditional degree programmes, such as a full Master’s or MBA, both Open and Professional Certificate options are significantly more bite-sized and agile. Traditional programmes demand a long-term, multi-year academic commitment to cover a broad, foundational curriculum, whereas Open Programmes offer immediate executive updates and Professional Certificates provide targeted, stackable skill sets designed for rapid career advancement.
Types of Open Programmes Available:
- Face-to-Face Programme:
- Executive Short Courses & Seminars: Rapid, highly interactive sessions (such as the Fintech Seminar Series)
- Mini-MBA / Comprehensive Executive Tracks: Broad-scope management courses (like the Mini-MBA) that compress essential leadership and business elements into a short, non-credit format.
- Online Programmes: Flexible, digital alternatives designed to provide the same global business perspectives remotely.
Topics Covered:
Leadership & Decision Making, Financial Management, Sustainability & ESG, Innovation & Strategy, Marketing & Customer Experience
Admission & Learning Mode
Yes, you can absolutely apply! In fact, Open Programmes are specifically designed to welcome professionals who do not have a formal background in the subject matter.
The primary criteria for these programs is usually your level of professional experience rather than your academic history, as the learning relies heavily on senior-level peer discussions and sharing real-world business challenges.
The schedules and formats for Open Programmes are intentionally flexible to accommodate the demanding lives of senior professionals. Because these are standalone, short-term courses, there is no single “one-size-fits-all” schedule.
Most programs are short, 1- or 2-day modular courses delivered in person on campus.
Cantonese, English or Putonghua.
Fees & Application
Fees for Open Programmes vary significantly depending on the depth, duration, and specific topic of the course.
We provide an Early Bird offer, a ‘Learn Together’ offer, and an Alumni rate (for CUHK, CUSCS, and APIB alumni).
The application process for Open Programmes is streamlined and completed entirely online. Applicants start by navigating to their desired course page and filling out a digital registration form detailing their professional background and current job title. During submission, candidates arrange payment and indicate any eligible savings—such as Early Bird, Alumni, or “Learn Together” discounts—before the admissions committee conducts a quick profile review to ensure a strong mix of executive peers. Because enrolment operates on a rolling basis, spots are secured upon payment confirmation, making early application ideal before registration closes a couple of weeks prior to the course start date.
Support & Contact
For any programme enquiries, please contact:
Tel: (852) 3943 4413 / 3943 7438
Email: apib@cuhk.edu.hk