Nicola has been sent to Urlandia for a one-month project. While at work, Nicola's Urlandian coworkers talk about getting their nails done and how they went dancing over the weekend, which Nicola disapproved of. To Nicola, their behavior seemed inappropriate and wrong. She also found it difficult to adapt to the new environment and to eat with a spoon and knife at lunch, which was customary in Urlandia, rather than with the spear-like utensils of her home country. By finding it difficult to use cutlery and adapt to the new environment, Nicola is exhibiting
A)culture shock.
B)cognitive dissonance.
C)individualism.
D)collectivism.
E)uncertainty avoidance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nicola is exhibiting culture shock, which is the feeling of disorientation and discomfort that occurs when entering a new culture with different norms, values, and customs. Nicola's discomfort with the use of cutlery and her disapproval of her coworkers' behavior are indicators of culture shock. Cognitive dissonance involves conflicting beliefs or values within an individual, but there is no evidence of this in the scenario. Individualism and collectivism relate to cultural values and attitudes towards interpersonal relationships, which are not relevant in this scenario. Uncertainty avoidance pertains to a culture's tolerance for ambiguity and unknown situations, which is not directly addressed in the scenario.

Nicola Has Been Sent to Urlandia for a One-Month Project