Deck 4: Communicating Across Cultures

Question 1

Patti is going to work as a manager in the Netherlands, which has a high performance orientation. Patti should avoid giving her new employees feedback because it will make them uncomfortable.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Lorna assumes that her colleagues in Mexico 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.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

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

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Low-performance orientation societies prioritize measurable goals and objectives in meetings and communications.

Question 5

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 6

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

Question 7

Cultures that exhibit extremely high collectivism within organizations tend to have a family-centered culture.

Question 8

Learning the languages of other cultures can help you appreciate the richness of those cultures.

Question 9

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

Question 10

Meeting times are relaxed in China, and meetings often start 10 to 15 minutes late.

Question 11

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

Question 12

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

Question 13

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

Question 14

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 15

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

Question 16

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

Question 17

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

Question 18

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

Question 19

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

Question 20

Chocolates, dessert items, and fine wine are good gifts to give a business colleague in Russia.

Question 21

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 22

In hierarchical cultures

A) decision making is decentralized.
B) protocol based on status is not important.
C) leaders take responsibility for their own mistakes.
D) leaders are approached through intermediaries.
E) status symbols are unimportant.

Question 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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

A) Relationships are emphasized more than results.
B) Financial incentives are acceptable motivators.
C) Feedback is viewed as being judgmental.
D) Expressions of loyalty and sympathy are valued.
E) Goals and objectives are discussed in a casual manner.

Question 27

Brad 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 Brad display?

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

Question 28

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 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 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 31

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 32

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 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

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 35

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

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

Question 36

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 37

Leo has been offered a job at the Standard Trust Investment Company, an old institution with a hierarchical culture. Which of the following should Leo expect to be true of the company?

A) Subordinates have direct access to their superiors.
B) People pay little attention to status symbols.
C) Subordinates are never blamed for leaders' mistakes.
D) Protocol based on status is used only during formal occasions.
E) Power is concentrated at the top of the organization.

Question 38

Cultures with high performance orientation generally

A) encourage workers to improve at their jobs.
B) are uncomfortable with feedback about work.
C) value social relationships over productivity.
D) are relaxed about meeting goals on time.
E) motivate workers with approval, not money.

Question 39

_____ culture tends to be more permanent and enduring than other types of culture.

A) Team
B) National
C) Business
D) Organizational
E) Artistic

Question 40

How do individualists differ from collectivists?

A) Individualists value obligation over choice, unlike collectivists.
B) Collectivists see themselves as distinct from their family, unlike individualists.
C) Individualists prefer direct communication, unlike collectivists.
D) Collectivists network in temporary social networks, unlike individualists.
E) Individualists often discuss group rewards and goals, unlike collectivists.

Question 41

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 42

Angela spends a summer working in a hotel owned by some of her Italian relatives. 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 43

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 44

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 45

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 46

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 47

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 48

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 phrase 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 49

Which of the following is characteristic of people from cultures with low humane orientation?

A) They express greetings, welcome, concern, and appreciation in most interactions.
B) They consider taking time to talk about feelings as critical.
C) They are sensitive to all forms of unfairness.
D) They smile and display other nonverbal signs of welcome frequently.
E) They prioritize pleasure and self-enjoyment over kindness and generosity.

Question 50

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 51

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 52

_____ 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 53

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 54

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 55

Which of the following is a feature of cultures that are high in uncertainty avoidance?

A) People prefer working with flexible rules and guidelines.
B) People prefer tasks with sure outcomes and minimal risk.
C) People accept verification through oral communication.
D) People prefer to break rules and take calculated risks.
E) People value trust more than contractual agreements.

Question 56

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 57

How does a less-assertive culture differ from a highly assertive culture?

A) Less-assertive cultures are uncomfortable with silence and speak up quickly to fill the silence.
B) Less-assertive cultures prioritize resolving issues over showing respect to others.
C) Less-assertive cultures typically express a lot of emotion.
D) Less-assertive cultures use tough, dominant language.
E) Less-assertive cultures stress equality and use cooperative language.

Question 58

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 59

People from cultures that are high in uncertainty avoidance

A) rely on the word of people they trust rather than contractual arrangements.
B) prefer formality in the majority of interpersonal business interactions.
C) are less concerned with documentation and maintenance of meeting records.
D) feel unbound by formalized policies, procedures, and rules when discussing work decisions.
E) are less resistant to change and more tolerant of breaking rules.

Question 60

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) teaching people to be sensitive to all forms of unfairness and unkindness
E) pursuing personal comfort and enjoyment more than generosity and kindness

Question 61

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 62

How is trust established in cross-cultural work relationships?

Question 63

Which cultural dimension changes most rapidly? Why?

Question 64

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 65

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

A) People commonly sit side by side rather than facing one another during meetings.
B) Individual meals are rarely served, and dishes for the group are provided on a rotating tray.
C) Personal life and religion are taboo topics of conversation in the country.
D) Films, politics, and cricket are appropriate topics of conversation in the country.
E) Gifts generally are not expected on first meeting, and buying someone a meal is a better option.

Question 66

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 67

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 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 appropriate topics of conversation in each of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China)?

Question 70

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

Question 71

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

Question 72

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

Question 73

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

Question 74

What is the difference between egalitarian and hierarchical cultures?

Question 75

Which of the following statements correctly names a characteristic of etiquette and customs in India?

A) Soccer and the weather are appropriate topics of conversation.
B) Tiananmen Square is considered a taboo topic of conversation.
C) The conversation style is animated and lively with lots of interruptions.
D) Titles are typically used in the workplace unless directed otherwise.
E) Gifts are generally not expected on the first meeting.

Question 76

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 77

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

Question 78

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 his future with 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 79

What are the different types of conversation styles in each of the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China)?

Question 80

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.