Question 1

Discuss the concept of work centrality as it relates to Japan. How is this changing in recent times?

Accepted Answer

Work centrality refers to the importance and priority that individuals place on their work in relation to other aspects of their lives. In Japan, work centrality has traditionally been very high, with a strong emphasis on dedication, loyalty, and long hours in the workplace. This is often attributed to the cultural value of "ganbaru" or doing one's best, as well as the strong influence of the traditional salaryman culture.

However, in recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in work centrality in Japan. This can be attributed to several factors, including changing attitudes towards work-life balance, an aging population, and the rise of a younger generation with different priorities and values. The government has also been promoting initiatives to reduce long working hours and encourage a healthier work-life balance.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in work centrality, as many companies have implemented remote work policies and flexible work arrangements. This has led to a reevaluation of the traditional office-based work culture and a greater emphasis on individual well-being and family life.

Overall, while work centrality has historically been a defining feature of Japanese society, recent changes indicate a shift towards a more balanced and flexible approach to work, reflecting broader societal changes and the evolving needs and values of the workforce.

Question 2

Discuss the differences in work goals between countries.

Accepted Answer

The differences in work goals between countries can be attributed to a variety of factors, including cultural norms, economic conditions, and government policies. In some countries, such as the United States, the emphasis may be on individual achievement and career advancement, with a focus on personal success and financial gain. In contrast, other countries, such as Japan, may prioritize collective goals and group harmony, with an emphasis on loyalty to the company and long-term stability.

Additionally, the work goals of a country may be influenced by its economic development and level of industrialization. For example, in developing countries, the primary goal of work may be to provide for basic needs and improve living standards, while in more advanced economies, the focus may be on innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness.

Government policies and labor laws also play a role in shaping work goals. For instance, in countries with strong labor unions and social welfare programs, the emphasis may be on job security, work-life balance, and employee rights. In contrast, in countries with more flexible labor markets and fewer regulations, the focus may be on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and individual initiative.

Overall, the differences in work goals between countries reflect the unique values, priorities, and circumstances of each society. Understanding these differences is important for businesses and organizations operating in multiple countries, as it can impact management practices, employee motivation, and overall business performance.

Question 3

Six of GLOBE's dimensions either overlap with Hofstede's dimensions directly or were improvements upon them.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 4

Decision-making based on family ties and hierarchy is representative of

Accepted Answer

A)   Japanese wa.
B)   Korean inwha.
C)   Chinese guanxi.
D)   Arab riba.
E)   all of these.

Question 5

Which of the following is a limitation of Hofstede's work?

Accepted Answer

A)   it includes too many countries.
B)   it only includes Western countries.
C)   it ignores differences that exist between clusters or quadrants.
D)   it only considers Asian countries.
E)   it ignores differences that exist between countries within a specific cluster or quadrant.

Question 6

The US and Sweden would be considered part of Hofstede's village market quadrant.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Trompenaars' bipolar cultural dimension that measures the extent to which an individual's status depends on performance versus factors like age, class, or gender is called

Accepted Answer

A)   individualism-communitarianism.
B)   neutral-emotional.
C)   specific-diffuse.
D)   achievement-ascription.
E)   universalism-particularism.

Question 8

Work variety ranks in the top three important work goals of workers from Israel and Japan.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 9

Carrie is a new manager of a multinational firm. She believes that society as a whole is becoming a "global village" and can therefore manage the firm the same way anywhere. Her view is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)   individualistic culture.
B)   masculine society.
C)   low-context culture.
D)   cultural convergence.
E)   high-context culture.

Question 10

The following values are most important in countries with long-term orientation except:

Accepted Answer

A)   frugality.
B)   hard work.
C)   adaptibility.
D)   persistence.
E)   fulfillment of social obligations.

Question 11

Discuss the differences in the meaning of "harmony" between Japan, China, and Korea.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the differences in the meaning of...

Question 12

India has some cultural values that foster entrepreneurship, its high score on the GLOBE attribute, __________ , supports this assertion.

Accepted Answer

A)   humane orientation
B)   power distance
C)   diffuse
D)   gender egalitarianism
E)   long term orientation

Question 13

Hofstede's village market quadrant contains African and Middle Eastern countries.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 14

Which country is more likely to be short term oriented?

Accepted Answer

A)   China.
B)   Brazil.
C)   India.
D)   Japan.
E)   Pakistan.

Question 15

____________ countries are prominent in the village market quadrant (small power distance and low uncertainty avoidance) of Hofstede's cultural dimensions.

Accepted Answer

A)   Asian.
B)   Anglo and Scandinavian.
C)   Germanic.
D)   African.
E)   Middle Eastern.

Question 16

Explain "sophisticated stereotyping," and the negative impacts it can have in business.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain "sophisticated stereotyping," and the negative impacts...

Question 17

An employee who prioritizes work over family and personal life has a high degree of work centrality.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

Compare and contrast the Hofstede and GLOBE dimensions. Which sophisticated stereotyping is most useful?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the Hofstede and GLOBE...

Question 19

The unequal exchange in guanxi that honors the more powerful member of the relationship is likened to _________ expectations that powerful family members help weaker members.

Accepted Answer

A)   Confucian
B)   Buddhist
C)   communist
D)   government
E)   Hindu

Question 20

Culture can

Accepted Answer

A)   produce conflict.
B)   produce benefits.
C)   impact the way in which one does business.
D)   impact the strategic decisions of the firm.
E)   involve all of these.

Exam 4: Making Distinctions Across Cultures: Implications for International Management

Discuss the concept of work centrality as it relates to Japan. How is this changing in recent times?

Discuss the differences in work goals between countries.

Six of GLOBE's dimensions either overlap with Hofstede's dimensions directly or were improvements upon them.

Decision-making based on family ties and hierarchy is representative of

Which of the following is a limitation of Hofstede's work?

The US and Sweden would be considered part of Hofstede's village market quadrant.

Trompenaars' bipolar cultural dimension that measures the extent to which an individual's status depends on performance versus factors like age, class, or gender is called

Work variety ranks in the top three important work goals of workers from Israel and Japan.

Carrie is a new manager of a multinational firm. She believes that society as a whole is becoming a "global village" and can therefore manage the firm the same way anywhere. Her view is an example of

The following values are most important in countries with long-term orientation except:

Discuss the differences in the meaning of "harmony" between Japan, China, and Korea.

India has some cultural values that foster entrepreneurship, its high score on the GLOBE attribute, __________ , supports this assertion.

Hofstede's village market quadrant contains African and Middle Eastern countries.

Which country is more likely to be short term oriented?

____________ countries are prominent in the village market quadrant (small power distance and low uncertainty avoidance) of Hofstede's cultural dimensions.

Explain "sophisticated stereotyping," and the negative impacts it can have in business.

An employee who prioritizes work over family and personal life has a high degree of work centrality.

Compare and contrast the Hofstede and GLOBE dimensions. Which sophisticated stereotyping is most useful?

The unequal exchange in guanxi that honors the more powerful member of the relationship is likened to _________ expectations that powerful family members help weaker members.

Culture can