Question 1

A state of disorientation and anxiety that results from not knowing how to behave in an unfamiliar culture is called ________.

Accepted Answer

Culture shock is the term used to describe the anxiety and disorientation experienced by people who are suddenly immersed in a new and unfamiliar culture. This can be caused by differences in language, customs, values, and social norms, among other things. Assimilation refers to the process of adapting to a new culture, while integration refers to the process of blending with the host culture while maintaining one's own cultural identity. Cultural contingency refers to the idea that behavior is shaped by a variety of cultural factors, including values, beliefs, and attitudes.

Question 2

Training during the export stage of globalization will most likely focus on ________.

Accepted Answer

During the export stage of globalization, training typically focuses on parent-country products to ensure that employees understand the products being exported and can effectively market and sell them in foreign markets.

Question 3

Which of the following is most likely a characteristic of the irritation and hostility stage of culture shock?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is most likely...

Question 4

During the MDC stage of a firm's globalization process, management training should emphasize all of the following EXCEPT ________.

Accepted Answer

During the MDC (More Developed Countries) stage, the focus is on understanding and adapting to local culture, transferring technology, and developing interpersonal skills. Emphasizing global competitors is more relevant in the later stages of globalization.

Question 5

During which stage of a firm's globalization are the training needs of host-country nationals most likely the highest?

Accepted Answer

The answer of During which stage of a firm's globalization...

Question 6

Which of the following factors will most likely hinder the integration of expatriate staff with local staff?

Accepted Answer

Delegating a small number of responsibilities can hinder integration as it may limit interaction and collaboration between expatriate and local staff, reducing opportunities for building relationships and understanding each other's work styles.

Question 7

Which of the following terms refers to an approach to the compensation of expatriates that equalizes the standard of living between the host and home countries, plus compensation for inconvenience?

Accepted Answer

The balance sheet approach is a method of compensating expatriates that equalizes the standard of living between the host and home countries, and also provides compensation for any inconvenience. This approach involves calculating the cost of living differences between the two countries, including factors such as housing, taxes, and education costs, and providing additional compensation to ensure that the expatriate is not at a financial disadvantage by relocating.

Question 8

All of the following are potential problem areas related to expatriate assignments EXCEPT ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following are potential problem...

Question 9

Expatriates from which nation seem to have the highest probability of success in their overseas assignment?

Accepted Answer

Japanese expatriates are often noted for their high success rate in overseas assignments due to strong cultural training and support from their companies.

Question 10

Which of the following factors will most likely improve the integration of expatriate staff with local staff?

Accepted Answer

Teaching locals about the market economy can foster mutual understanding and collaboration, improving integration between expatriate and local staff.

Question 11

The concept of "keeping the expatriate whole" in terms of compensation most likely means ensuring that the expatriate's ________.

Accepted Answer

"Keeping the expatriate whole" means ensuring that the expatriate's standard of living is maintained and comparable to that of their colleagues back home, while also factoring in additional costs associated with living overseas. This includes compensation for housing, education, transportation, and local taxes. It also ensures that the expatriate's purchasing power is not negatively impacted by currency fluctuations. Therefore, option D is the best choice.

Question 12

According to surveys of expatriates, which of the following countries is considered the most challenging assignment?

Accepted Answer

China is considered the most challenging assignment for expatriates due to its cultural differences, language barrier, and complex business environment.

Question 13

Which of the following most likely occurs when a manager is transferred to another part of a country where there are significant cultural differences?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following most likely occurs...

Question 14

The direct cost alone of a failed expatriate assignment is estimated to be ________.

Accepted Answer

According to various studies, the direct cost of a failed expatriate assignment ranges from $200,000 to $1.2 million, which includes costs associated with recruitment, training, relocation, compensation, and repatriation. Additionally, there may be indirect costs such as lost productivity, damaged relationships, and a negative impact on company reputation.

Question 15

Which of the following methods is used by Colgate-Palmolive to prepare junior employees for top-level global management positions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following methods is used...

Question 16

Which of the following methods is used by many firms to reduce the overall costs of expatriate assignments?

Accepted Answer

Extending the expatriate's tour can reduce costs by spreading the initial relocation expenses over a longer period, thus reducing the average annual cost of the assignment.

Question 17

Which of the following is the most likely reason that Japanese expatriates are successful?

Accepted Answer

A) Japanese executives being posted for a longer time allows them to adjust better to their new environment and work culture. 
B) Japanese companies provide strong training and support systems, which equip their expatriates with the necessary skills to succeed. 
C) Japanese executives are usually unaccompanied by their families, which may help them focus better on work and adapt more quickly. All of these factors contribute to the success of Japanese expatriates.

Question 18

When the expatriate manager and his or her family are able to function effectively in two cultures, it is known as the ________ stage.

Accepted Answer

Biculturalism refers to the ability of an individual or a family to function effectively in two cultures, which is the stage where the expatriate manager and their family are able to integrate themselves into the new culture while still maintaining their own cultural identity. Gradual adjustment refers to the initial period of adapting to a new culture, while honeymoon refers to the initial excitement of being in a new environment. Irritation and hostility refer to the stage where the individual or family experiences frustration and anger due to difficulties in adjusting to the new culture.

Question 19

All of the following are training techniques classified by Tung EXCEPT ________.

Accepted Answer

The three training techniques classified by Tung are sensitivity training, field experiences, and cultural assimilators. Host-family surrogates are not classified by Tung as a training technique.

Question 20

Which of the following is the LEAST critical area of expatriate preparation?

Accepted Answer

Repatriation procedures are important but are typically addressed towards the end of an expatriate assignment, making them less critical during the initial preparation phase compared to cultural training, language instruction, and familiarity with everyday matters.

Quiz 9: Staffing Training and Compensation for Global Operations