Deck 18: The Regional Context

Question 1

Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs) do NOT include:

A)Hong Kong.
B) Korea.
C) Australia.
D) Taiwan.

Answer 1

Australia.

Question 2

Multinational companies who set up business in Asian countries find they have difficulties with:

A) technology transfer.
B) financial investments.
C) government policies.
D) management techniques transfer.

Answer 2

management techniques transfer.

Question 3

Which of the following South-East Asian countries does NOT belong to the Association of South-East Asian Nations?

A) Indonesia
B) Thailand
C) Taiwan
D) Malaysia

Answer 3

Taiwan

Question 4

It is important that companies wishing to establish themselves in an Asian country learn as much about that country's culture as possible, particularly:

A) the religious customs.
B) its political system.
C) its management practices.
D) all of the given answers.

Question 5

Japan's work environment is known for its stability and employees loyalty. A major factor at the very core of these characteristics is NOT:

A) life-time employment.
B) the seniority system.
C) equal rights for women.
D) in-house labour unions.

Question 6

Japan's economy has encountered major difficulties, as well as major social problems. Which is NOT one of these social problems?

A) high unemployment
B) homelessness
C) political strife
D) high inflation rates

Question 7

Australian and Japanese mutual trade relationships do NOT include:

A) strategic energy.
B) open trading system.
C) raw materials.
D) agricultural products.

Question 8

Which are currently the two largest economies in terms of purchasing power in the world?

A) USA and China
B) India
C) Australia
D) Germany

Question 9

China's economy grows faster than any other in the world. Its annual growth rate in 2009 reached:

A) 7.8%
B) 7.5%
C) 9.5%
D) 8.9 %

Question 10

The Western view is that China needs to delve into a reform to sustain its growth and establish an efficient economy. Which sectors are identified to be targeted?

A) social welfare system
B) development of infrastructure
C) agricultural sector
D) all of the given answers

Question 11

As in many other countries around the world, a labour shortage also emerged in China in 2004. The result of this shortage is NOT:

A) increased wages demand.
B) improvement in educational standards.
C) rural reform.
D) increased activities in the provinces.

Question 12

Managers in a state-owned factory are said to make many inefficient decisions. The problem could be solved by changing the ________________ management structure and by further educating
______________ .

A) organisational - top-level management
B) bureaucratic - middle-level management
C) operational - low-level management
D) bureaucratic - top-level management

Question 13

New Zealand's main merchandise market for bilateral trade is:

A) Japan.
B) Australia.
C) USA.
D) European Union.

Question 14

The reasons for Australia and New Zealand to increase their market share in Taiwan, Japan and Korea CANNOT be contributed to:

A) ANZCERTA.
B) bilateral relationships between companies.
C) companies expanding either into Australia or New Zealand.
D) NZ and Australian companies merging.

Question 15

Reasons for managers to pay special attention to opportunities in the international environments include:

A) lower infrastructure, lower wage costs.
B) changes in the political and economic arenas.
C) none of the given answers.
D) D: all of the given answers.

Question 16

The reason for Singapore to be invaded by international investors from 1965 was:

A) Singapore invited investors.
B) Singapore withdrew from the Malaysian federation.
C) Singapore become interested in technology.
D) Singapore's population needed work.

Question 17

Singapore set an example in the region by establishing a tripartite body of employer groups, unions and government representatives, the National wage Council (NWC) in 1972. Which goal is NOT a goal of the organisation?

A) recommend wage increases
B) ensure systematic wage determination
C) assist in the development in incentive schemes to improve national productivity
D) assist in industrial disputes to ensure consistent productivity levels

Question 18

Singapore's great strength for the future is likely to be:

A) its ideal location in South-East Asia.
B) its five strategic thrusts as identified by Birch.
C) the strong commitment of the government and its vision for Singapore.
D) the compliance and conformity of the general population.

Question 19

The Singaporean government outlined its vision for the nation in its master plan, iN2015. Which objective to reach its IT standards is NOT part of this commitment?

A) to stimulate innovation among individuals, business and communities
B) to promote integration through information at different levels and amongst different sources
C) to build a globalised economy
D) to foster internationalisation and globalisation, including everybody

Question 20

Traditionally, Australia and Singapore have had close ties which have led to Singapore becoming:

A) a large investor in Australia's hotel and tourism sector.
B) a large investor in the Australian property.
C) a large Australian export market partner.
D) all of the given answers.

Question 21

The Thai people's value for love of freedom has greatly affected:

A) the attitude to their monarchy.
B) the development of the country.
C) the way they include foreigners into their life.
D) the way they hold on to tradition.

Question 22

The Thai system of values and beliefs is deeply rooted in Buddhism. Which of the following is NOT a tenet for consideration by Buddhists?

A) self-realisation
B) appropriate timing
C) knowing others
D) looking after your own

Question 23

The Thai society is geared to conflict avoidance. Key tendencies that underpin their desire to avoid conflict are:

A) to keep relationships peaceful.
B) to shrug off disagreements.
C) to maintain superficial relationships with Westerners.
D) all of the given answers.

Question 24

Unlike Malaysia and Singapore, Thailand was not a British colony and its laws are very different to the British common-law. Thai business laws are dependent upon a system of discretion, ________________________.

A) favours and patronage
B) patronage and nepotism
C) favours and sponsorship
D) sponsorship and nepotism

Question 25

Thailand is attempting to become important in and build up a regional hub for ___________ ,______________ and __________________.

A) hospitality, temples and aviation
B) steel production, education, tourism
C) medicine, education, transport
D) technology, information technology, shipbuilding

Question 26

A free-trade agreement between Australia and Thailand was confirmed in:

A) 2000
B) 2005
C) 2007
D) 2008

Question 27

Malaysia is a nation of 26.94 million with a population consisting of:

A) Malays, Chinese and Indians.
B) mainly Malays and Indians.
C) mainly Chinese.
D) Chinese and Malays.

Question 28

The next phase of the Vision 2020 plan to become a developed nation is the National Mission (2006-2020). What issue will not be addressed within the plan?

A) to increase the capacity for knowledge.
B) to move the financial opportunity high enough for Malaysians to purchase their own home.
C) to address persistent socioeconomic inequalities constructively.
D) to improve the standard and sustainability of life for Malaysians.

Question 29

Foreign managers dealing with Malaysian organisations need to be aware of the Malaysian tendency to:

A) be very conservative in their business dealings.
B) use an intermediary for first contacts.
C) prefer to deal with other Malaysian organisations.
D) prefer quantitative methods of management.

Question 30

Malaysian decision-making practices are influenced by their cultural customs. Before making an important decision, they may seek second opinions from experts in:

A) foreign exchange dealings.
B) the government departments of trading and industry.
C) astrology and occult sciences.
D) more experienced business people.

Question 31

Indonesia was, before the Second World War, a European colony. It was previously known as:

A) the Dutch East Indies.
B) Sumatra.
C) the Netherlands Indies.
D) Borneo.

Question 32

There are Five Pillars (Principles) which are listed in the preamble to the Indonesian Constitution and which are the foundations for every Indonesian organisation. Which of the following is NOT one of those principles?

A) Treating people as human beings.
B) Confirming the one-state religion.
C) Rendering justice to all.
D) Respecting the rights of the people.

Question 33

Indonesian managers face a major challenge in trying to:

A) develop their own style of management.
B) adapt to Japanese styles of management.
C) adapt to Western styles of management.
D) integrate Chinese and Indonesian philosophies.

Question 34

Western managers need to understand the differences and similarities of the concept of power and authority in Australian and Indonesian organisations. The need for achievement in Indonesia means:

A) the manager must accumulate power and authority within a harmonious environment.
B) the manager must accumulate power and authority at all cost.
C) the manager achieves power and authority based on contract.
D) the manager achieves power and authority based on appointment.

Question 35

Indonesia faces many challenges in the twenty-first century. Among them are:

A) upgrading the telecommunications infrastructure.
B) developing infrastructure such as railways and transport systems.
C) upgrading power generation and distribution.
D) all of the given answers.

Question 36

Indonesia has to face the challenges of the funding body, the World Bank. What is not part of the expectations?

A) the manufacturing sector to continue as the instigator of growth.
B) development of e-commerce.
C) development and training of human resources.
D) development of industrial relations.

Question 37

Traditions with Europe were broken when Australia joined her close neighbours in trade agreements. Which event did NOT contribute to the shift in policy?

A) abolition of the 'white Australia policy'
B) philosophy of the Whitlam government
C) Britain joined the European Economic Community
D) Australia's need to expand its export markets

Question 38

As a result from Malaysia's economic development plan Vision 2020 launched in 1991, the country attracted huge investments and developed into one of the world's largest electronic producers.

Question 39

In China, the employees expect their boss to have all the answers and to be led at all times.

Question 40

The Indonesian and Western value systems share the same attitude to material possessions.

Question 41

Australia has an ever increasing base of businesses in Malaysia, primarily part of the construction industry.

Question 42

Why is the regional context so important for Australian managers?

Question 43

What are the major differences in management issues in South East Asian countries?

Question 44

What social changes are occurring across the South East Asian region?

Question 45

How is Australia's position changing in South East Asia?

Question 46

In what ways are there similarities in philosophical approaches to management in South East Asia?

Question 47

How has management in your own country changed in response to modern business trends?

Question 48

What issues do Japan, China and South Korea have in facing global markets?

Question 49

What issues do Australia and New Zealand have in facing global markets?

Question 50

What issues affect managers in Singapore and Thailand?

Question 51

What issues affect managers in Malaysia and Indonesia?