Deck 13: Diversity and Cross-Cultural Competence

Question 1

Avoiding Cultural Mistakes
Refer to Figure 1, Cultural Mistakes to Avoid with Selected Cultural Groups. Review the list of cultural groups listed. After you have chosen one or two cultural groups, imagine how and where you might have an opportunity to relate to someone from one of these culture groups. During the next thirty days, look for an opportunity to relate to a person from another culture in the way described in these suggestions. You may have to be creative to find a target with whom you can practice your cross-cultural skills. Before approaching your target, answer these questions:
What would be my usual approach to dealing with a person from that culture? (An example here would be as follows: "Usually when I visit the neighborhood convenience store operated by a Korean family, I attempt to place the money for purchases directly in the hands of the cashier.")
FIGURE 1 CULTURAL MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH SELECTED CULTURAL GROUPS

Answer 1

In a global business world, people are expected to not only learn the etiquette of their country, but also that of their potential business partners. Without proper research, businesspeople run the risk of making cultural mistakes.
Examples of missteps that may occur when interacting with people from culturally different backgrounds:
• Speaking Spanish to Brazilians.
• Giving a potential Chinese business partner an expensive gift.
• Planning a business trip to France in August.

Question 2

Avoiding Cultural Mistakes
Refer to Figure 2, Cultural Mistakes to Avoid with Selected Cultural Groups. Review the list of cultural groups listed. After you have chosen one or two cultural groups, imagine how and where you might have an opportunity to relate to someone from one of these culture groups. During the next thirty days, look for an opportunity to relate to a person from another culture in the way described in these suggestions. You may have to be creative to find a target with whom you can practice your cross-cultural skills. Before approaching your target, answer these questions:
What will I do differently after studying the suggestions in Figure 13-2? (Because touching a Korean's hand might be uncomfortable for him or her, I will lay the money on the counter and let the cashier pick it up.)
FIGURE 2 CULTURAL MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH SELECTED CULTURAL GROUPS

Answer 2

After studying the cultural practices and business norms of different countries, the following adjustments may be made:
• Brazilians speak Portuguese; therefore speaking Spanish to them would not only be unimpressive, but also seemingly ignorant.
• Gift giving (especially expensive gift giving) is not looked upon favorably in the Chinese culture. In fact, it places a burden on the receiver to give an equally lavish gift back.
• The month of August is know to be vacation time in France, and therefore hoping to achieve business goals during this time is foolish.

Question 3

To what extent do you think Dennis is exploiting the company's interest in having a culturally diverse workforce?

Answer 3

Car buying a tedious task, and many customers already enter a dealership with apprehension. Car salespeople have a notorious reputation of being manipulative and pushy. Manuel Ortiz has the correct idea-that car buying is a daunting task, made easier by familiarity.
It appears that he has considered the following:
• The diverse population of his Brooklyn customer pool.
• The comfort that people find in speaking their native language.
• The advantage of providing familiarity to one's customers.

Question 4

In what way might having a high acceptance for power and authority make it difficult for a person to work well on a team that has very little supervision?

Question 5

What do you think of the ethics of Dennis coming to work in a wheelchair although he is usually able to walk, even with the assist of a cane?

Question 6

In what way might having a high acceptance for power and authority make it difficult for a person to work well on a team that has very little supervision?

Question 7

If you were an executive at the company in which Dennis works, how would his wheelchair user status influence your decision to retain him as an employee

Question 8

Identify three positive stereotypes about cultural groups that are related to job behavior. (An example would be the observation that Mexican laborers are known for their hard work and dependability.)

Question 9

When you meet someone from another culture, what can you do to demonstrate that you respect that person's culture?

Question 10

Provide an example of cultural insensitivity of any kind that you have seen, read about, or could imagine.

Question 11

Suppose a company wants to promote cross-cultural understanding. Should the executives then discourage employees from one racial or ethnic group from forming a club or sitting together in the company cafeteria? Explain your position.

Question 12

In an era of welcoming cultural diversity, does a company have the right to exclude employees with visible body piercings from any type of positions?

Question 13

Suppose a company wants to promote cross-cultural understanding. Should the executives then discourage employees from one racial or ethnic group from forming a club or sitting together in the company cafeteria? Explain your position.

Question 14

It has been often observed that many automobile sales representatives are biased against women customers. How might this bias (if true) be evident on the sales floor of the dealer?

Question 15

How might you be able to convert cross-cultural skills into higher income and job status for yourself

Question 16

What might have the executive been referring to in terms of "developing a good relationship before signing a contract"?

Question 17

What significance might the weekend stay offered to Chantal have had for the condominium development team?

Question 18

What advice can you offer to Chantal from a crosscultural value standpoint to attempt to salvage this giant contract