Deck 3: Understanding the Six Barriers

Question 1

Describe culture-mindedness and discuss two reasons culture-mindedness is needed. Cite an example.

Answer 1

Culture-mindedness refers to being aware and respectful of different cultural norms, values, and practices. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the diversity of cultures and being open-minded towards different ways of living and thinking.

One reason culture-mindedness is needed is to promote social harmony and understanding. By being culture-minded, individuals can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts that arise from cultural differences. This leads to better communication, cooperation, and respect among people from different cultural backgrounds. For example, in a multicultural workplace, being culture-minded can help employees work together more effectively and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Another reason culture-mindedness is important is for personal growth and enrichment. By learning about and appreciating different cultures, individuals can gain new perspectives, broaden their horizons, and develop a greater sense of empathy and interconnectedness with others. This can lead to more fulfilling relationships and a deeper understanding of the world. For instance, someone who is culture-minded may actively seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures through travel, language study, or engaging in cultural activities in their community.

In conclusion, culture-mindedness is crucial for promoting social harmony and personal growth. By being aware and respectful of different cultural perspectives, individuals can contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society, as well as enriching their own lives through exposure to diverse ways of life.

Question 2

Discuss the two levels to which cultural-minded people are sensitive.

Answer 2

Cultural-minded people are sensitive to two levels of cultural awareness. The first level is individual or personal cultural sensitivity, which refers to an individual's understanding and appreciation of their own cultural background and identity. This includes being aware of one's own beliefs, values, traditions, and customs, and how they shape their perspective and behavior.

The second level is intercultural or cross-cultural sensitivity, which involves an individual's ability to understand and appreciate the cultural differences and similarities between themselves and others. This includes being open-minded, respectful, and empathetic towards people from different cultural backgrounds, and being able to effectively communicate and collaborate across cultures.

Cultural-minded people are sensitive to both of these levels, as they recognize the importance of understanding and respecting their own culture while also valuing and embracing diversity in a multicultural society. This sensitivity allows them to navigate and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Question 3

Describe the two broad types of barriers that are based on level of complexity. Cite an example to illustrate your answer.

Answer 3

The two broad types of barriers based on level of complexity are physical barriers and cognitive barriers.

Physical barriers are obstacles that are tangible and can physically prevent or impede someone from accessing something. An example of a physical barrier is a locked door that prevents people from entering a building or room.

Cognitive barriers, on the other hand, are obstacles that are related to a person's thoughts, beliefs, or mental processes. These barriers can include biases, stereotypes, or limited knowledge that prevent someone from understanding or accepting certain information or ideas. An example of a cognitive barrier is a person's belief that they are not capable of learning a new skill, which prevents them from trying to learn it.

Question 4

Define "open person" and then discuss two examples of open person.

Question 5

What is meant by organization barriers? Discuss three examples of organization barriers.

Question 6

Discuss the gender issues commonly reported at work cites and cite an example for each.

Question 7

Discuss the five assumptions of mainstream culture about diversity. Cite an example of each to illustrate your answer.

Question 8

Discuss the rule of hypodescent. Cite an example.

Question 9

Is there a relationship between ethnocentrism and the judgment barrier? Explain.

Question 10

Discuss the layers of stress. Cite an example to illustrate your answer.

Question 11

The culture-minded person

A) recognizes different ways of thinking and communicating in culturally diverse situations
B) recognizes the texture of relations in interactions in culturally diverse situation
C) In relation to level of complexity, the culture-minded person recognizes dynamics on the
Interpersonal and organization levels
D) all of the above

Question 12

Which of the following is not one of the five barriers that hinder positive interpersonal
Relations

A) stress
B) nonverbal communication
C) judgment
D) listening carefully

Question 13

an "open person" is one who is

A) warm and genuine in his/her communication style
B) an authentic person
C) a special target of hostile treatment because perceived as different and therefore
Deserving of contempt
D) a and b are correct

Question 14

The cultural assumptions embedded in organization policies and procedures

A) are highly congruent with mainstream U.S. culture
B) set the context for the texture of relations among employees
C) cannot be known because they are unconscious
D) a and b are correct

Question 15

Which of the following is not one mainstream culture's five assumptions about diversity

A) The U.S. is a meritocracy
B) Americans have a broad knowledge of their culture
C) If it is different it is wrong
D) Never talk about diversity

Question 16

The history of the race concept in the United States

A) at one time, depicted the entire world as comprised of three races: Negroid, Caucasoid, Asian
B) depicts a decline in the twentieth century of the belief in distinct human races
C) depicts an increase in tolerance in recent decades
D) b and c are correct

Question 17

The biological bases for the perception of distinct races

A) has been proven
B) has not been proven
C) shows human variation is continuous, not discrete
D) b and c are correct

Question 18

Defining a person as lower in status or social position if that person has just one
Ancestor who was a member of a lower group in the society's hierarchy

A) is called racism
B) is called the rule of hypodescent
C) is called ethnocentrism
D) a and c are correct
E) none of the above is correct

Question 19

Gender issues no longer exist in the workplace due to the women's movement.

Question 20

Both men and women are concerned with balancing the responsibilities of home and work life

Question 21

The emergence of mandatory sexual-harassment training is evidence of inappropriate sexual behavior occurring in the workplace.