Exam 3: The Global Environment

Scenario 3.1 Mini-PC is a Houston-based maker of handheld computers. In response to high European demand, Mini-PC purchased Marstrand Electronics, a handheld manufacturer in Stockholm, Sweden. Mini-PC allowed the management of Marstrand to continue in their jobs rather than sending U.S. managers to oversee Swedish operations. Mini-PC decided to purchase Marstrand because virtually all Swedes speak English, value women's rights, and are predominantly Christian in religious beliefs. Sweden has an extremely stable political system, a sound economy, a highly educated workforce, and it is a member of the European Union. However, Swedes do take a different view of work time, in that they expect at least two months of vacation per year. Also, the Swedish workforce is about 80% unionized, in comparison to Mini-PC's nonunionized workforce. Sweden has a socialist approach to health benefits, which means higher personal taxes for workers but lower health benefits costs for employers. When comparing average national scores on Hofstede's dimensions of culture, the United States and Sweden are about the same in power distance and long-term orientation, but the United States is higher than Sweden in individualism and uncertainty avoidance and much higher in masculinity. -Refer to Scenario 3.1. On the basis of scores on Hofstede's dimensions of culture, which organization cultural values will create the most discomfort and resistance among Swedish workers?

Which industrialized nation emerged as the only intact major power after World War II?

Celebrity Cruises is based in Florida, but it hires workers from various countries to communicate with and serve guests from around the world. Which of the following is an accurate statement?

What aspect of international business do NAFTA and the EU represent?

Which of the following is NOT likely to be a part of a compensation package designed for an expatriate?

Which international staffing model involves staffing high-level foreign jobs with parent-country nationals?

Scenario 3.1 Mini-PC is a Houston-based maker of handheld computers. In response to high European demand, Mini-PC purchased Marstrand Electronics, a handheld manufacturer in Stockholm, Sweden. Mini-PC allowed the management of Marstrand to continue in their jobs rather than sending U.S. managers to oversee Swedish operations. Mini-PC decided to purchase Marstrand because virtually all Swedes speak English, value women's rights, and are predominantly Christian in religious beliefs. Sweden has an extremely stable political system, a sound economy, a highly educated workforce, and it is a member of the European Union. However, Swedes do take a different view of work time, in that they expect at least two months of vacation per year. Also, the Swedish workforce is about 80% unionized, in comparison to Mini-PC's nonunionized workforce. Sweden has a socialist approach to health benefits, which means higher personal taxes for workers but lower health benefits costs for employers. When comparing average national scores on Hofstede's dimensions of culture, the United States and Sweden are about the same in power distance and long-term orientation, but the United States is higher than Sweden in individualism and uncertainty avoidance and much higher in masculinity. -Refer to Scenario 3.1. Which international strategy is Mini-PC using to expand its international operations?

The United States and Japan have experienced slowing growth rates in employment in recent years.

How may an organization choose to compete in the international environment, and how does each strategy affect its human resource function?

Importing is the process of making a product domestically and then selling it to another country.