Question 1

BRIC is an acronym that refers to the collective economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and _____.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C as BRIC stands for Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The other choices are not part of the BRIC acronym.

Question 2

Mitch is a sales representative for Caterpillar, the world's largest manufacturer of heavy equipment. He is moving to China because of the rapid expansion in that country and the opportunity it offers Caterpillar. He is undergoing extensive training, however, because business is conducted differently in China compared to the U.S. For example, Mitch is learning that business people in China expect a salesperson to develop a relationship with them before they ever discuss business, which is a practice called _____.

Accepted Answer

The practice of developing personal relationships before conducting business in China is known as "guanxi".

Question 3

A country high in which CSV is uncomfortable with things that are ambiguous or unknown?

Accepted Answer

Uncertainty avoidance is the dimension of cultural values that deals with a society's level of discomfort with ambiguity, uncertainty, and unknown situations. A country high in uncertainty avoidance tends to have a desire for rules and regulations to provide structure and order to their environment. This can lead to a preference for more predictable and familiar situations, a resistance to change, and a need for clear guidelines and procedures.

Question 4

The United States is a country where people place a high value on self-reliance, individual initiative, and personal achievement. Which of the following core societal value best describes the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The value of self-reliance, individual initiative, and personal achievement are all characteristics of individualism, which is the fundamental societal value of the United States. This value emphasizes individual autonomy, freedom, and achievement, rather than collective well-being or community interests.

Question 5

Which of the following represents how disparate one nation is from another in terms of their CSVs?

Accepted Answer

Cultural distance refers to the differences between two nations in terms of their cultural values and practices. This includes differences in communication styles, beliefs, and attitudes. The term "cultural distance" is often used to measure the level of psychological and social distance between two cultures.

Question 6

In some countries, such as South Korea, it is very important for men to know the age of other men because age is associated with higher status and power. So it is not unusual for one man to ask another his age if it is not readily obvious who is older so that proper deference can be shown to the older of the two. Based on this information, South Korea would be classified as a high _____ culture.

Accepted Answer

South Korea's high value on knowing age for power and status indicates a high power distance culture, where social hierarchy is respected and maintained.

Question 7

The 2011 Chinese New Year is the year of the rabbit. So many Chinese consumers are purchasing bunnies as pets, thinking they will bring luck and prosperity to them. Cultures in which superstitions and myths play a big role tend to be high on which CSV dimension?

Accepted Answer

Superstitions and myths are a way to mitigate uncertainties and reduce ambiguity in situations, which is indicative of a high level of uncertainty avoidance. Therefore, the best choice is E.

Question 8

_____ is the extent to which authority and privileges are divided among different groups within a society and the extent to which these facts of life are accepted by the people within the society.

Accepted Answer

Power distance refers to the degree of inequality or hierarchy in a society and the extent to which individuals with less power or authority accept and expect this inequality. This concept is often used in cross-cultural studies to compare societies with different levels of power distance.

Question 9

In most Christian cultures, consumers exchange gifts at Christmas. This is an example of a(n) _____.

Accepted Answer

The exchange of gifts at Christmas is a long-standing tradition in many Christian cultures.

Question 10

In _____ nations, those with less status must show deference to those with greater status.

Accepted Answer

High-power-distance nations have significant hierarchy and a greater emphasis on status and prestige. In these societies, those with less status are expected to show deference to those with greater status.

Question 11

Which of the following is the Chinese term for a way of doing business in which parties must first invest time and resources in getting to know one another and becoming comfortable with one another before consummating any important deal?

Accepted Answer

The term for the described way of doing business is "Guanxi," which is a Chinese term that refers to the practice of building networks and relationships for mutual gain. It involves building trust and cultivating personal connections before engaging in business dealings.

Question 12

Wei and her family live in Beijing, and a friend of her parents helped get her son into a prestigious school. These friends now expect renquing from Wei, which means she _____.

Accepted Answer

Renquing is a Chinese concept of reciprocal obligations, where a person is expected to return a favor or help received from others at some point in the future. Therefore, Wei is expected to return the good deed sometime in the future. A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of any money involved. D and E are also incorrect as there is no indication that Wei is required to make any public announcement or give periodic reports of her son's progress.

Question 13

Which of the following is a phenomenon associated with long-term orientation and is the idea that when someone does a good deed for you, you are expected to return that good deed?

Accepted Answer

Renquing is a concept in Chinese culture that involves the expectation of returning favors or good deeds, which is associated with long-term orientation.

Question 14

Theo is looking at how different one nation is from another in terms of their CSVs and learned that the United States is very similar to Australia and the United Kingdom. The approach Theo is using is based on the concept of _____.

Accepted Answer

The concept of cultural distance refers to the degree of similarity or dissimilarity between cultures. Theo is comparing the cultural distance between the United States and Australia, and the United Kingdom to understand how similar they are in terms of their cultural and social values (CSVs).

Question 15

Customs and accepted ways of structuring society are called _____.

Accepted Answer

Customs and accepted ways of structuring society are called traditions. Sanctions refer to penalties for breaking a norm or rule, core societal values refer to the fundamental beliefs of a society, cognitive behaviors refer to mental processes underlying behavior, and utilitarian values refer to values that emphasize the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Question 16

Which of the following refers to the extent to which an individual's life is intertwined with a large cohesive group?

Accepted Answer

Collectivism refers to the extent to which an individual's life is intertwined with a larger cohesive group, such as a family or community. It is the opposite of individualism, which emphasizes the importance of individual goals and achievements. Isolationism, pluralism, and interactionism are not directly related to the degree of an individual's involvement with a larger social group.

Question 17

_____ represent a commonly agreed upon consensus about the most preferable ways of living within a society.

Accepted Answer

Core societal values (CSV) represent a commonly agreed upon consensus about the most preferable ways of living within a society. These values are widely shared and provide a framework for individuals to make decisions and interact with others in their society. Examples of CSVs may include concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, and respect for others.

Question 18

_____ reflects values consistent with Confucian philosophy and a prioritization of future rewards over short-term benefits.

Accepted Answer

The concept of prioritizing future rewards over short-term benefits is a key aspect of a culture with a long-term orientation, which is consistent with Confucian philosophy. This cultural value emphasizes the importance of investing in education, hard work, and thrift to achieve long-term success and stability, rather than seeking immediate gratification or individualistic goals. Therefore, the best choice is E, Long-term orientation.

Question 19

Jamal lives with his two brothers, their wives and children, and his parents. In his country, each family is expected to take care of other family members. Which of the following best describes Jamal's culture?

Accepted Answer

Jamal's culture is collectivist as it values the interconnectedness and well-being of the family as a whole over individual needs or desires. This is demonstrated by the expectation that each family member takes care of the others, including extended family.

Question 20

Which CSV dimension captures distinctions existing in societies based on mannerisms typically associated with male traits such as valuing assertiveness and control?

Accepted Answer

The dimension of masculinity in the CSV model captures distinctions in societies based on traits typically associated with males such as assertiveness and control. The other options (individualism, collectivism, femininity, and power distance) do not specifically address these traits.

Quiz 8: Consumer Culture