FREE Master of International Business: Cross Culture Management Questions and Answers
Which statement about cross-cultural communication is accurate?
Effective cross-cultural communication is essential in a diverse and globalized world to reduce misunderstandings, conflicts, and communication barriers that may arise due to cultural differences. By understanding and respecting different cultural norms, values, and communication styles, individuals can foster mutual understanding, build positive relationships, and enhance collaboration in multicultural environments.
Which Hofstede variable would be the one that most closely explains why formal norms and procedures exist in a particular culture?
Uncertainty avoidance is one of the cultural dimensions identified by Geert Hofstede. It refers to the extent to which a society feels uncomfortable with ambiguity, uncertainty, and unpredictable situations. Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance tend to have strong social norms, rules, and formal procedures in place to minimize uncertainty and create a sense of stability and predictability.
Societies that allow strong hierarchical boss-subordinate relationships, such those in Malaysia, Mexico, and the Philippines, frequently perform well on Hofstede's _______ dimension.
Power distance is one of the cultural dimensions identified by the Dutch social psychologist Geert Hofstede. It measures the extent to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. In societies with high power distance, there is a significant acceptance of hierarchical structures and authority, and people generally respect and obey those in positions of power and authority.
Which of the following nations' managers, according to the GLOBE project, are very future-focused but not assertive?
According to the GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) project, managers from the nation of Switzerland are indeed very future-focused but not assertive. The GLOBE project is a large-scale research program that examines cultural values, leadership attributes, and organizational practices across various countries. It aims to understand how cultural dimensions influence leadership styles and behaviors. Based on the GLOBE study, Switzerland is characterized as having a culture that values long-term orientation and future-focused thinking. This means that Swiss managers tend to prioritize planning for the future and considering the long-term consequences of their decisions.
______is a conscious understanding of and genuine concern for the culture of another person.
Cultural empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of individuals from different cultures. It goes beyond surface-level awareness and involves a deep appreciation and genuine concern for the cultural background and perspectives of others. With cultural empathy, individuals try to see the world from the viewpoint of someone from another culture, recognizing and respecting their values, beliefs, and practices.
Texas is home to the sizable pharmaceutical company Med-Tex. With three U.S. manufacturing plants, Med-Tex intends to grow abroad in order to compete with other American pharmaceutical companies. The company's leaders are searching the globe for the best location to erect the newest Med-Tex manufacturing facility. Which of the following best demonstrates why a new Med-Tex facility in Ireland is necessary?
Expanding into a country with a similar culture can indeed reduce risks associated with different attitudes, values, and communication styles. When a company enters a market with a culture that shares similarities with its home country. Expanding into a similar culture can be a strategic choice that helps companies mitigate certain risks and leverage shared cultural values to facilitate a smoother entry and successful growth in a foreign market. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability remain crucial for achieving long-term success in any new location.
Which of the following best sums up the universalistic approach in terms of Trompenaars' value dimensions?
"Applying rules and systems" best sums up the universalistic approach in terms of Trompenaars' value dimensions. The universalistic approach, as mentioned earlier, refers to a cultural orientation that emphasizes the application of rules, standards, and systems consistently across various situations and contexts. In universalistic cultures, there is a strong belief in the importance of objective criteria, uniformity, and equal treatment for everyone, regardless of individual circumstances.
In _______ cultures, managers keep their personal and professional life apart and are more likely to be forthright and direct with their employees.
In "specific-oriented" cultures, managers keep their personal and professional life apart and are more likely to be forthright and direct with their employees. Trompenaars' cultural value dimension of specific versus diffuse refers to how people in different cultures manage their personal and professional boundaries. In specific-oriented cultures, individuals tend to keep their personal life and relationships separate from their work life. They prefer clear boundaries and compartmentalize their interactions with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates.
Shane places a high emphasis on accomplishments and success. Ced, on the other hand, favors harmony. According to Hofstede's dimensions of culture, Shane is most likely from a(n) _______ culture, whereas Ced is most likely from a(n) _______ culture.
Based on the descriptions provided, Shane is most likely from an "individualistic" culture, while Ced is most likely from a "collectivist" culture. In individualistic cultures, like the United States and many Western countries, individuals tend to prioritize personal achievements, autonomy, and self-interest. They value individual goals, personal success, and the right to make independent decisions.
Which of the following statements about Mexican corporate culture is most likely accurate?
In Mexican business culture, there is a strong emphasis on teamwork, collaboration, and maintaining harmonious relationships among colleagues. Building and preserving positive group dynamics is considered crucial for achieving success in business endeavors.
If you were born and reared in a society that valued achievement, your position would probably be determined by your .
If you were born and raised in a society that valued achievement, your position would probably be determined by your "level of education." In cultures that place a high value on achievement, education is often considered a critical factor in determining an individual's social status, career opportunities, and overall success in life. Higher levels of education are typically associated with higher levels of achievement and social mobility.
According to Hofstede, being abrasive, materialistic, and unconcerned with others are —— values.
According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions, being abrasive, materialistic, and unconcerned with others are characteristics associated with "masculine" values. Hofstede's cultural dimension of masculinity-femininity refers to the extent to which a culture emphasizes traditionally masculine traits, such as assertiveness, competition, and material success, versus traditionally feminine traits, such as nurturing, cooperation, and concern for others.
Which of the following phrases describes the idea that no matter where or how they are utilized, management approaches from one's own country are always the best?
Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture, values, and norms are superior to those of other cultures. In the context of management approaches, it means that individuals or organizations believe that their own management practices are inherently better and more effective than those used in other countries or cultures. This perspective can lead to a biased and closed-minded view, overlooking the potential benefits and insights that different management practices from other cultures may offer.
Trompenaars claims that the _______ dimension is concerned with the emotional bent of interactions.
Trompenaars' cultural value dimension of "neutral versus affective" is concerned with the emotional bent of interactions. In this dimension, cultures are classified based on how they express emotions and feelings in social interactions. In affective cultures, people tend to show their emotions openly, and emotional expression is considered acceptable and even encouraged in various situations. People in affective cultures may freely express joy, anger, sadness, and other emotions without hesitation.
Which of the following phrases describes the practice of presuming that, regardless of individual variations, every member of a society or subculture possesses the same qualities or traits?
Stereotyping involves forming generalized beliefs or assumptions about a particular group of people based on their perceived characteristics, behaviors, or attributes. These beliefs are often oversimplified and do not take in
Which of the following sums up a self-reference standard the best?
A self-reference criterion (SRC) refers to the unconscious tendency to use one's own cultural background, beliefs, and values as a basis for interpreting and judging the behaviors and customs of others from different cultures. When encountering unfamiliar situations or people from other cultures, individuals may unknowingly apply their own cultural norms and assumptions, which can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.