Deck 4: Communicating Across Cultures

Question 1

Keiko is going to work as a manager in the Netherlands,which has a high performance orientation.Keiko should begin giving her new employees feedback as soon as possible.

Answer 1

True
Explanation: Performance orientation is the extent to which a community encourages and rewards innovation,high standards,and performance improvement.High performance orientation societies view feedback as essential to improvement.

Question 2

Organizations in present-oriented societies are less likely to develop clear long-term strategies and business plans.

Answer 2

True
Explanation: In future-oriented societies,many organizations create long-term strategies and business plans.Furthermore,they use these strategies and plans to guide their short-term business activities.By contrast,in present-oriented societies,organizations are less likely to develop clear long-term strategies and business plans.

Question 3

A colleague from Gen X is more likely to seek continuous feedback than a colleague from an earlier generation.

Answer 3

True
Explanation: Gen Xers are known as independent,confident,self-reliant,responsibility driven,results focused,and less formal.Compared with prior generations,they seek more continuous feedback,they're less loyal to employers,they're not impressed by titles,and they're willing to put in extra time to get the job done.

Question 4

James has accepted an entry-level position at a company in South Korea,which has a hierarchical culture.James should expect to take part in his company's decision making right away.

Question 5

In order to develop strong cross-cultural relationships,one must have an ethnocentric mind-set.

Question 6

Using slang can help you connect with business partners who have limited English proficiency.

Question 7

Men are more likely than women to ask questions to seek information.

Question 8

Marta is a German woman who was just hired by a multinational company.It will be helpful for her to assume that her colleagues in Brazil will conceptualize time the same way she does.

Question 9

Projected cognitive similarity is the tendency to think members of other groups are all the same.

Question 10

Business managers who are high in cultural intelligence recognize that developing effective co-cultures requires creating something new.

Question 11

In high gender egalitarianism cultures,men and women are encouraged to occupy the same professional roles and leadership positions.

Question 12

Generally,as countries increase their standard of living,they develop more collectivist tendencies.

Question 13

Amy assumes that her colleagues in Japan will be just as motivated by an individual rewards program as people in the United States are.This is an example of the outgroup homogeneity effect.

Question 14

Following the rules of etiquette in other cultures makes a person seem indecisive and insincere.

Question 15

In less-assertive cultures,people are uncomfortable with silence.

Question 16

Cultural intelligence (CI)is a measure of your knowledge of business practices in other cultures.

Question 17

Low performance orientation societies are likely to view high performance orientation societies as impatient and obsessed with short-term results.

Question 18

People in low uncertainty avoidance cultures often stress orderliness and consistency,even if it means sacrificing experimentation and innovation.

Question 19

Popular culture plays an important role in the formation of negative stereotypes.

Question 20

Egalitarianism is the extent to which a community encourages and rewards innovation,high standards,and performance improvement.

Question 21

Which of the following is most likely to be true about a culture with low future orientation?

A) It teaches children to sacrifice fun activities to develop skills for long-term success.
B) It encourages people to be motivated by their own internal values.
C) It has a plan to cope with the types of natural disasters common to its region.
D) Its people tend to enjoy being in the moment and living spontaneously.
E) It rewards those who propose visionary approaches to business problems.

Question 22

The cultural dimension of assertiveness deals with

A) the level of confrontation and directness that is considered appropriate and productive.
B) the degree to which cultures are willing to sacrifice current wants to achieve future needs.
C) the way cultures socialize members to feel in uncertain,novel,surprising,or extraordinary situations.
D) the division of roles and power between men and women in society.
E) the mindset that prioritizes interdependence more highly than independence.

Question 23

Which of the following is characteristic of egalitarian cultures?

A) Leaders can be approached directly by subordinates.
B) Decision making is centralized.
C) Subordinates are blamed for the mistakes of leaders.
D) Salary ranges between the top and the bottom of the organization are extreme.
E) Power is concentrated at the top.

Question 24

Which of the following is a feature of a culture with high future orientation?

A) often mentioning short-term rewards and incentives
B) focusing more on extrinsic motivation
C) rarely discussing long-term strategies or plans
D) appreciating visionary approaches to business problems
E) using inflexible and firm language

Question 25

Which of the following is useful advice on conducting business across cultures with those who have limited English ability?

A) Determine a person's level of communication proficiency within the first few moments of your interactions with them.
B) Speak at your normal,regular pace instead of speaking slowly as this may be viewed as disrespectful.
C) Use slang and jargon instead of literal language as much as possible.
D) Allow those with limited English ability enough time to process their thoughts into English.
E) When using an interpreter,focus on the interpreter instead of the person you are communicating with.

Question 26

High cultural intelligence is demonstrated by the ability to

A) work by a rigid set of rules and guidelines.
B) superimpose one's own cultural norms upon all others.
C) interpret the behavior of people worldwide through a single culture's framework.
D) approach cross-cultural work relationships with a learner mind-set.
E) suppress one's curiosity and interest in other cultures.

Question 27

Finn chooses to enter relationships only with people who share his interests in sports and work.Whenever he finds himself having less in common with a friend,he leaves the relationship.What cultural dimension does Finn display?

A) collectivism
B) individualism
C) humane orientation
D) egalitarianism
E) future orientation

Question 28

Dina has been offered a job at a longstanding financial institution with a hierarchical culture.Which of the following should she expect to encounter when she starts work?

A) a steady stream of emails from her subordinates
B) a lack of interest in status symbols
C) a refusal to blame subordinates for leaders' mistakes
D) offices of roughly equal size for all employees
E) employees who are discouraged from openly challenging leaders

Question 29

Which of the following is a trait of collectivists?

A) They pursue their own dreams and goals,even when it means spending less time with their family.
B) They leave relationships when they are no longer mutually satisfying,beneficial,or convenient.
C) They stay in contact with and work through extended networks built on family and friends.
D) They make decisions based on each individual's needs.
E) They enter friendships and relationships primarily based on common interests.

Question 30

Which of the following is a trait of individualists?

A) They tend to follow the perceived dreams and goals of the group as a matter of duty.
B) They tend to stay in contact with and work through extended networks.
C) They stay in relationships even when they are no longer mutually satisfying.
D) They communicate directly to efficiently deal with work tasks and outcomes.
E) They make decisions based on the larger interests of society.

Question 31

Which of the following is a feature of cultures with low performance orientation?

A) People place more emphasis on results than on relationships.
B) Workers prioritize measurable goals and objectives in meetings.
C) Employees view feedback as essential to improvement.
D) Expressions of loyalty and sympathy are valued.
E) Financial incentives are considered appropriate motivators.

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of projected cognitive similarity?

A) Elana assumes that no two cultures are alike in terms of values and norms.
B) Rico assumes that all cultures are inferior to his culture.
C) Deirdre assumes that other cultural groups have the same values as hers.
D) Bill assumes that the cultural stereotypes shown in the popular media are true.
E) Michael assumes that all cultures are superior to his culture.

Question 33

Ed is going to work for a year in the Netherlands,which he has learned is even more egalitarian than the United States.What should he expect his new company to be like?

A) Employees will be reluctant to disagree openly with the company's leaders.
B) The salaries of the company's chief officers will be much,much greater than his.
C) His coworkers will respect leaders for their competence,not their position.
D) People will be judged for status symbols such as big houses and automobiles.
E) He will have to find an intermediary to advocate for him if he wants to talk to a manager.

Question 34

Which of the following is a characteristic of high cultural intelligence?

A) speaking many languages
B) avoiding inappropriate stereotypes
C) accepting that other cultures are like your own
D) sharing your values with others
E) having a favorable attitude toward another group

Question 35

Olga thinks that all Americans are the same: hard-working,dishonest,and greedy.What is Olga displaying?

A) projected cognitive similarity
B) performance orientation
C) cultural assimilation
D) humane orientation
E) outgroup homogeneity effect

Question 36

Cultures with low performance orientation societies generally

A) value productivity over social relationships.
B) give direct feedback about how to improve work.
C) are relaxed about starting things on time.
D) place a high priority on meeting work deadlines.
E) implement clear plans to achieve goals.

Question 37

In the Durable Manufacturing Company,the president,Alicia Hernandez,makes no more than five times what the lowest-paid worker earns.Alicia is often seen eating in the workers' lunchroom because she likes to hear opinions about how the work is going.Which term best describes the culture at the Durable Manufacturing Company?

A) assertive
B) collectivist
C) individualistic
D) hierarchical
E) egalitarian

Question 38

Cultures with low future orientation

A) use inflexible and firm language.
B) emphasize control and planning for the future.
C) focus on intrinsic motivation.
D) discuss long-term strategies and business plans.
E) appreciate visionary approaches to business problems.

Question 39

Fred has been sent to build a factory in a small village.His new employees speak often of the rewards the factory will bring to their community.It takes Fred a long time to form relationships because the social networks there are close knit.Which term best describes the primary trait of the culture he is dealing with?

A) collectivism
B) individualism
C) egalitarianism
D) future orientation
E) performance orientation

Question 40

As prosperity and economic development rise,_____ increases as well.

A) collectivism
B) individualism
C) hierarchy
D) assertiveness
E) uncertainty avoidance

Question 41

Which of the following people is most likely from a culture that is low in uncertainty avoidance?

A) McKenna hates ambiguous situations and often demands clarification.
B) Ivan wants to have strict and unchangeable work rules.
C) Kelsey constantly tries to make the workroom more orderly and organized.
D) Brian complains whenever a change is proposed.
E) Erin proceeds to implement a deal after a verbal agreement has been reached.

Question 42

Which of the following correctly states a similarity between Russia and India?

A) Meeting times are relaxed and often start 10 to 15 minutes late in both countries.
B) Cricket is an appropriate topic of conversation in both countries.
C) Comparing Moscow and St.Petersburg is a taboo topic of conversation in both countries.
D) Gifting expensive gifts and gifting leather gifts are avoided in both countries.
E) Meetings are scheduled far in advance,and time is viewed flexibly in both countries.

Question 43

In low gender egalitarianism cultures,

A) equal professional opportunities are provided to men and women.
B) men and women have the same communication and management styles.
C) protocol that draws attention to gender is avoided.
D) men and women are expected to occupy different roles in society.
E) men have fewer leadership opportunities than women.

Question 44

Ethnocentrism is the belief that

A) your own culture is superior to others.
B) your own culture has nothing of value to share with others.
C) people of other cultures should make all business decisions.
D) you have more to learn from other cultures than to teach.
E) other cultures have a better knowledge base to conceptualize work.

Question 45

Which of the following is true of a co-culture?

A) Co-culture involves the belief that your own culture is superior.
B) Co-culture is a combination of elements from different cultures.
C) People with judger mind-sets find it easier to develop co-cultures.
D) Co-cultures deemphasize the differences that exist between cultures.
E) People who are low in cultural intelligence usually develop co-cultures.

Question 46

In cultures with a high humane orientation,

A) companies and shareholders emphasize social responsibility.
B) society members are expected to solve personal problems on their own.
C) self-enjoyment takes precedence over displays of generosity.
D) people extend material and social support only to a close circle of friends and family.
E) people smile and display other nonverbal signs of welcome infrequently.

Question 47

Which of the following statements about people with learner mind-sets is true?

A) They view other cultures as inferior to their own.
B) They think other cultures are the same as their own.
C) They acknowledge that members of other cultures possess unique knowledge.
D) They believe they have a better knowledge base to conceptualize work than others.
E) They expect to have full control over all decision-making processes.

Question 48

Which of the following correctly names a characteristic of Russian etiquette and customs?

A) Pakistan and the caste system are taboo topics of conversation.
B) Gift giving is a sign of friendship;however,expensive and leather gifts should be avoided.
C) First names are appropriate only after a relationship is well established.
D) People commonly sit side by side rather than facing one another during meetings.
E) The conversation style of the people is loud,animated,lively,and expressive with lots of interruptions.

Question 49

Giles lives in a society where people are expected to solve their own problems.During business meetings,leaders do not waste time offering welcome or making social talk.Unfair treatment on the job is considered just the way life is.Which term best describes the type of culture Giles lives in?

A) collectivist
B) assertive
C) uncertainty avoidant
D) low humane orientation
E) high performance orientation

Question 50

Lilly spends a summer abroad working in a hotel.She soon realizes that her job is secure even if she does not work very hard.When she makes mistakes,no one ever comments on them for fear of hurting her feelings.What is true of the culture in which she is working?

A) It is high in future orientation.
B) It is low in humane orientation.
C) It is a low performance orientation society.
D) It is high in uncertainty avoidance.
E) It is high in assertiveness.

Question 51

In high gender egalitarianism cultures

A) more professional leadership opportunities are provided to women than men.
B) men and women communicate in distinct masculine and feminine ways.
C) men and women have equal influence in professional decision making.
D) protocol that draws attention to gender is acceptable.
E) men and women are expected to occupy different roles in society.

Question 52

In cultures that are high in uncertainty avoidance

A) formalized policies are considered unnecessary.
B) business interactions are informal.
C) change is welcome and considered desirable.
D) verification is sought through oral,not written communication.
E) orderliness and consistency are held to be important.

Question 53

Which of the following must be kept in mind while building cross-cultural relationships?

A) Your culture is superior to that of others.
B) People across cultures have similar conceptions of time.
C) People across cultures interpret behavior differently.
D) People across cultures have the same cultural mind-set.
E) Your culture is the same as most other cultures.

Question 54

A major difference between high-assertiveness and low-assertiveness cultures is that people in low-assertiveness cultures tend to

A) avoid silence in conversation.
B) focus on results over etiquette.
C) value unrestrained expressions of ideas.
D) use tough language to establish dominance.
E) use cooperative language and emphasize quality.

Question 55

Which of the following is a feature of cultures with a high humane orientation?

A) reserving expressions of welcome for formal situations
B) discouraging discussion of feelings as a waste of time
C) waiting until someone asks before helping them
D) demonstrating that others belong and are welcome
E) pursuing personal comfort and enjoyment more than generosity and kindness

Question 56

Which of the following is characteristic of highly assertive cultures?

A) People tend to speak directly and without using vague expressions.
B) People are comfortable with silence in business meetings.
C) People speak objectively without much emotion.
D) People stress equality and use cooperative language.
E) People would rather demonstrate respect than discuss disagreements.

Question 57

Which of the following business trends is valued across the world?

A) high priority on performance orientation
B) low priority on egalitarianism
C) high priority on hierarchy
D) low priority on humane orientation
E) low priority on future orientation

Question 58

_____ refers to how cultures socialize members to feel in novel,surprising,or extraordinary situations.

A) Collectivism
B) Humane orientation
C) Uncertainty avoidance
D) Egalitarianism
E) Individualism

Question 59

Minh takes a job in Germany.On his first day,his manager tells him that he will be respected if he can motivate himself to succeed.Minh is encouraged to think about where he wants to go in the company and to discuss long-term strategies for achieving his goals.From this,Minh concludes that he is in a society with

A) low priority on performance orientation.
B) high priority on egalitarianism.
C) high priority on humane orientation.
D) high priority on future orientation.
E) low priority on uncertainty avoidance.

Question 60

In cultures that are low in uncertainty avoidance

A) formality is expected in most interpersonal business interactions.
B) change is unwelcome and undesirable.
C) orderliness and consistency are held to be important.
D) trust is hard to build and is valued less than contractual agreements.
E) tasks involving calculated risks,problem solving,and experimentation are preferred.

Question 61

How is trust established in cross-cultural work relationships?

Question 62

What is the difference between egalitarian and hierarchical cultures?

Question 63

What are some types of custom and etiquette you should become aware of before traveling to another country for business?
Different countries have different appropriate and taboo topics of conversation.You should find out what subjects are off limits and which ones will engage your hosts.You should also find out how people in the country you are visiting view punctuality,particularly for meetings.In some cultures,punctuality is crucial.Others take a more relaxed approach and may often start meetings late.You should find out the rules of touching and proximity so that you will be neither rude nor aggressive to your hosts.Similarly,you should learn what conversational style is appropriate.Should you be animated,frank,or reserved? Other conventions to consider include dining style,appropriate dress,when and how to use titles,and if and when to give gifts.

Question 64

Which of the following is a speech pattern that is most common among women than men?

A) being direct with subordinates
B) avoiding verbal opposition
C) refusing to share credit
D) saying more in meetings
E) demanding attention and praise

Question 65

Raj is a middle manager at a textile company.He is always the first one to volunteer to stay late to get a job done,but he is not particularly loyal to the company or impressed by titles.Raj is most likely a member of which generation?

A) Traditionalists
B) Boomers
C) Gen X
D) Gen Y
E) Gen Z

Question 66

What is future orientation? What are the differences between cultures with high future orientation and cultures with low future orientation?

Question 67

What qualities would a person with a high cultural intelligence display?

Question 68

Which of the following highlights the difference between Chinese and Brazilian etiquette and customs?

A) Meetings begin on time in China,while meeting times are relaxed in Brazil and often start 10 to 15 minutes late.
B) Tibet is a taboo topic of conversation in Brazil,while deforestation is a controversial topic of conversation in China.
C) Touching is rare in Brazil,while frequent and extended touching is accepted in China.
D) Business attire in China should be stylish and fashionable,while conservative suits are preferred in Brazil.
E) Gift giving is common for first meetings in Brazil,while gifts are generally not expected on the first meeting in China.

Question 69

What are the effects of ethnocentrism on cross-cultural relationships?

Question 70

Why are stereotypes formed? Do stereotypes serve any useful purpose?

Question 71

Chandra is preparing for a business meeting in a foreign country.Which of the following is most important for her to do to ensure proper etiquette?

A) prepare a meal for her hosts
B) purchase traditional clothing
C) learn to speak the language fluently
D) identify acceptable conversation topics
E) perfect an opening joke

Question 72

Which cultural dimension changes most rapidly? Why?

Question 73

Dr.Deborah Tannen studies gendered communication in the workplace.She found that the way men and women speak is related to

A) how much they are paid.
B) whom they most want to impress.
C) whether they went to college.
D) how they socialized as children.
E) the amount of praise they receive.

Question 74

What is uncertainty avoidance (UA)? Describe high UA and low UA cultures.

Question 75

Explain generational differences in workplace culture.