Question 1

English is almost universally accepted as the language for international business.

Accepted Answer

English has become the dominant language for international business communication, with many international companies requiring employees to be fluent in English. However, there are still some countries and regions where other languages may be more commonly used in business settings, such as Mandarin in China and Spanish in parts of Latin America.

Question 2

In general, it is typically better to hire host-country nationals when operating abroad because it is less expensive, it pleases the local government, and it eliminates the problem of employees adjusting to the culture.

Accepted Answer

Hiring host-country nationals is generally less expensive because they do not require relocation expenses or extensive language and cultural training. It also pleases the local government and helps the company to navigate local laws and regulations. Finally, host-country nationals are already familiar with the local culture, eliminating the need for cultural adjustment.

Question 3

The first step in selecting expatriates should be self-selection, where employees who volunteer to go abroad are given the chance to do so.

Accepted Answer

Self-selection is a commonly used method in selecting expatriates as it helps ensure that the individuals are motivated and have a desire to succeed in an international assignment. This in turn can lead to higher performance and success in the new role.

Question 4

Expressions such as "tabling a subject" and "it is inconvenient" may have meanings in other cultures that are very different from their North American meanings.

Accepted Answer

Different cultures may have different interpretations of certain expressions, so it's always important to be mindful of cultural differences and potential misunderstandings.

Question 5

One of the biggest causes of expatriate failure is a spouse's inability to adjust to his or her new surroundings.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Research has shown that a spouse's inability to adjust to the new country and culture is one of the main reasons for expatriate failure. It is important for companies to provide support and resources for the entire family when relocating an employee to increase the chances of a successful assignment.

Question 6

At early stages of international expansion, many organizations prefer to use host-country nationals.

Accepted Answer

The answer of At early stages of international expansion, many...

Question 7

Learning how people think and act in their relations with others is a part of cultural training that prepares employees for working internationally.

Accepted Answer

Understanding cultural differences in communication and behavior is important in international business, and cultural training helps employees develop the necessary skills and knowledge for successful cross-cultural interactions.

Question 8

A work permit or work certificate allows a foreign individual to seek employment in another country.

Accepted Answer

A work permit allows a foreign individual to legally work in another country.

Question 9

Women expatriates are thought to succeed in part because they are visible and distinctive.

Accepted Answer

Women expatriates may stand out in male-dominated fields or cultures, giving them a higher profile and the potential to be seen as trailblazers or role models. This visibility may help them build relationships, gain respect, and advance in their careers.

Question 10

The failure of expatriate assignments is usually due to technical or managerial concerns.

Accepted Answer

The failure of expatriate assignments is usually due to cultural and personal factors, such as difficulty adjusting to the new environment and differences in communication and work styles. Technical or managerial concerns may contribute to the failure, but they are not the primary reasons.

Question 11

Global managers must be capable of managing highly decentralized organizations.

Accepted Answer

Global managers are responsible for managing geographically dispersed teams and must be able to effectively manage and coordinate decentralized operations to ensure the organization operates smoothly and cohesively.

Question 12

One reason to employ host-country nationals is that local governments want good jobs for their citizens.

Accepted Answer

Employing host-country nationals can be seen as a way to contribute to the local economy by providing jobs and income for citizens. This can also improve the company's relationship with the local community and government.

Question 13

Transnational teams are composed of members from multiple nationalities working on projects that span multiple countries.

Accepted Answer

Transnational teams are indeed composed of members from multiple nationalities working on projects that span multiple countries.

Question 14

Some of the advantages of using home-country nationals for overseas managerial assignments are that the talent is already available within the organization and that the organization can have greater control.

Accepted Answer

Using home-country nationals for overseas managerial assignments allows the organization to utilize existing talent within the company and provides greater control over the assignment.

Question 15

The employment of guest workers may result in indirect costs that may be substantial.

Accepted Answer

Guest worker programs often result in costs such as increased demand for public services, strain on infrastructure and social programs, and potential negative impacts on domestic workers. These indirect costs can add up and be substantial over time.

Question 16

Multinational corporations tend to use different kinds of external recruitment sources than are used in their home countries.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Multinational corporations tend to use different kinds...

Question 17

If an organization wanted to decrease the failure rate of its expatriates, one good strategy would be to give more women international assignments.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that women often possess strong interpersonal skills and adaptability, which are critical for success in international assignments. These qualities can contribute to lower failure rates for expatriates.

Question 18

The source of overseas employees that provides the advantages of less cost and greater facility in the language is host-country nationals.

Accepted Answer

Host-country nationals are individuals who are hired locally in the foreign country where the company operates. They can provide cost advantages and have greater facility in the local language and culture, which can be beneficial for the company.

Question 19

An advantage of home country nationals is that they have intimate knowledge of the environment and culture.

Accepted Answer

Home country nationals are employees from the headquarters or home country of the multinational company who are sent to work in foreign operations. They might not have an intimate knowledge of the local environment and culture of the host country.

Question 20

A global HR information system facilitates coordination between world units; however, there are many important factors to ensure effective implementation.

Accepted Answer

A global HR information system can facilitate coordination between worldwide units, but effective implementation requires attention to a range of factors such as cultural differences, data security, and local regulations.

Quiz 15: International Human Resources Management