Question 1

Emma runs a small business and wants to improve communication among her increasingly diverse staff. Which of the following should she do?

Accepted Answer

Diversity awareness training can help employees understand and appreciate differences, improving communication and reducing conflicts.

Question 2

What is the best advice for a Canadian businessperson who is traveling to Sweden on business and wants to improve oral intercultural communication?

Accepted Answer

Following up oral negotiations and agreements in writing is a good practice in Sweden, as it ensures clarity and mutual understanding, which is valued in Swedish business culture.

Question 3

Only developed countries have a unique culture and shared background.

Accepted Answer

All countries, regardless of their level of development, have unique cultures and shared backgrounds. Culture is shaped by a variety of factors, including history, geography, religion, language, and social norms, among others. Every country has its own unique blend of these factors that contribute to its cultural identity. Moreover, the idea that only developed countries have a shared background overlooks the rich histories and shared experiences of developing countries, which have shaped their unique cultures over time.

Question 4

In conversation with a Korean businessperson who speaks English fairly well, Meaghan discovers that much of what she has just said was not understood by the Korean. As she continues the conversation, what should Meaghan do?

Accepted Answer

Using simpler language can help bridge the communication gap, and accepting blame can ease any tension and encourage a more open dialogue.

Question 5

Learning more about the powerful effect that culture has on behaviour will help you reduce friction and misunderstanding in your dealings with people from other cultures.

Accepted Answer

Understanding cultural influences can improve communication and reduce conflicts by fostering empathy and awareness of different perspectives.

Question 6

New transportation advancements along with improved logistics technology are important factors in the increase in globalization.

Accepted Answer

Advancements in transportation and logistics technology have made it easier and more efficient to move goods and people across borders, facilitating global trade and economic integration.

Question 7

Because it is based on strong tradition and deep-seated beliefs, a country's culture rarely changes.

Accepted Answer

While culture may be deeply rooted in tradition and beliefs, it is not completely resistant to change. Cultures evolve over time in response to various factors such as globalization, technology, immigration, and societal shifts. Cultural change may be slow and gradual but it is still possible.

Question 8

What is the best advice you can give to Gayle, who will be travelling to China on business and wants to demonstrate intercultural competence while there?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating supportiveness through nonverbal cues like head nods, eye contact, and facial expressions is a respectful way to show engagement and understanding in intercultural interactions.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct wording to use when writing an e-mail message to someone from another culture?

Accepted Answer

Using clear and formal language, such as "We look forward to meeting with you next month," is appropriate and respectful when communicating with someone from another culture. It avoids slang and abbreviations that may not be understood universally.

Question 10

Caroline is writing a business letter to a German client. What should she do as she prepares the letter?

Accepted Answer

Using correct grammar and conventional punctuation is essential in business communication to ensure clarity and professionalism, especially when writing to international clients.

Question 11

Business communicators in low-context cultures, such as Canada and Germany, assume that messages must be explicit, and listeners rely exclusively on the written or spoken word.

Accepted Answer

In low-context cultures like Canada and Germany, communication is direct and explicit, with a focus on clear and precise language, relying heavily on the written or spoken word for understanding.

Question 12

Amaya was just hired by a company with an extremely diverse workforce. She wants to fit in immediately. What should she do?

Accepted Answer

Focusing on shared experiences, mutual goals, and similar values helps Amaya connect with her colleagues on common ground, fostering inclusivity and understanding without relying on stereotypes or assumptions.

Question 13

What is the best advice for citing numbers when writing letters to businesspeople in other cultures?

Accepted Answer

Using figures for numbers is generally clearer and more universally understood across different cultures, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Question 14

Tamika's family always celebrates Christmas with decorated tree and stockings hung on the fireplace. These holiday decorations are visible symbols of Tamika's cultural background.

Accepted Answer

Tamika's family celebrates Christmas with decorations that are typically associated with Christian culture and the holiday season, making them visible symbols of her cultural background.

Question 15

You are writing a letter to a potential customer in Italy. Which of the following should you include in your letter?

Accepted Answer

Using Italy's measurement standards ensures clarity and avoids confusion, as it aligns with the local conventions and expectations of the potential customer.

Question 16

Jake is working for a global consulting firm and will be writing letters to intercultural audiences around the world. What is the best advice you can give him to improve his written communication?

Accepted Answer

Using clear single words instead of two-word verbs can help avoid confusion and ensure clarity, especially for intercultural audiences who may not be familiar with idiomatic expressions.

Question 17

Jackson will be attending a professional conference in Vietnam. What should he do to try to enhance oral communication with his colleagues?

Accepted Answer

Listening without interrupting is a key aspect of effective communication, allowing for better understanding and respect in conversations, especially in a multicultural setting.

Question 18

The rules, values, and attitudes of culture are inherent; that is, we are born with them.

Accepted Answer

The rules, values, and attitudes of culture are learned through socialization and experience in a particular society or group. They are not inherent or innate.

Question 19

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) promotes open trade globally.

Accepted Answer

NAFTA only promotes open trade between Mexico, Canada, and the United States, not globally.

Question 20

Various identity groups bring a distinct advantage to businesses. Which of the following statements best reflects this advantage?

Accepted Answer

Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives and experiences, which can lead to more innovative solutions and products that appeal to a broader range of consumers.

Quiz 3: Intercultural Communication