Question 1

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both Hofstede's and Ronen and Shenkar's models.

Accepted Answer

Hofstede's model of cultural dimensions and Ronen and Shenkar's model of cultural distance both offer valuable insights into understanding and comparing different cultures.

Hofstede's model is widely used and recognized for its comprehensive approach to cultural dimensions, including power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term vs. short-term orientation. This model provides a framework for understanding how cultural differences can impact various aspects of business and management, such as leadership styles, communication, and decision-making. However, one weakness of Hofstede's model is that it may oversimplify the complexities of culture and overlook the diversity within cultures. Additionally, some critics argue that the model may perpetuate stereotypes and fail to account for changes in culture over time.

On the other hand, Ronen and Shenkar's model of cultural distance emphasizes the importance of comparing specific cultural attributes between two or more countries to assess the potential challenges and opportunities in cross-cultural interactions. This model provides a more nuanced understanding of cultural differences by considering multiple dimensions, such as language, religion, social structure, and values. However, a weakness of this model is that it may be more complex and difficult to apply in practice compared to Hofstede's model. It also may not provide as clear of a framework for understanding the underlying reasons for cultural differences.

In conclusion, both models have their strengths and weaknesses. Hofstede's model offers a broad and widely accepted framework for understanding cultural dimensions, while Ronen and Shenkar's model provides a more detailed and specific approach to comparing cultural differences. By considering the strengths and weaknesses of both models, researchers and practitioners can gain a more comprehensive understanding of cultural dynamics in international business and management.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a cultural dimension of Trompenaars' alternative?

Accepted Answer

High/low context is a cultural dimension proposed by Edward T. Hall, not Fons Trompenaars. Trompenaars' model includes dimensions like neutral vs. emotional, specific vs. diffuse, achievement vs. ascription, and universalism vs. particularism, but not high/low context.

Question 3

Applying the Hofstede dimensions of culture, the U.S. stands out on one of the four dimensions

Accepted Answer

Of the four dimensions of culture identified by Hofstede (Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, Individualism vs. Collectivism, and Masculinity vs. Femininity), the U.S. stands out most on the dimension of individualism. This is reflected in American values that emphasize personal achievement, individual rights, and autonomy. The U.S. is often seen as an individualistic society in contrast to collectivist societies, which place more value on group harmony and interdependence.

Question 4

Which of the following is a limitation of Hofstede's work?

Accepted Answer

Hofstede's work tends to generalize cultural dimensions of a country despite the coexisting sub-cultures within that particular country.

Question 5

____________ countries are prominent in the village market quadrant (small power distance and low uncertainty avoidance) of Hofstede's cultural dimensions.

Accepted Answer

According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions, Anglo and Scandinavian countries have a small power distance and low uncertainty avoidance, which leads to a more relaxed and egalitarian workplace culture. These countries include countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Norway, and Sweden.

Question 6

____________ countries dominate the well-oiled machine quadrant (small power distance and strong uncertainty avoidance) of Hofstede's cultural dimensions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ____________ countries dominate the well-oiled machine quadrant...

Question 7

A culture described using Hofstede's cultural dimensions with high uncertainty avoidance and masculine values tend to be ____________oriented.

Accepted Answer

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance tend to be security-oriented, as they value stability and predictability.

Question 8

According to Hofsted, a culture with weak uncertainty avoidance and masculine values will be

Accepted Answer

According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions, a culture with weak uncertainty avoidance and masculine values tends to prioritize achievement and success over security and stability, making them more achievement-oriented.

Question 9

Which of the following dimensions did Hofstede find tended to cluster together?

Accepted Answer

Hofstede found that small power distance and individualism tended to cluster together. This means that in cultures with a tendency towards small power distance (a belief in relatively equal distribution of power) there is also often a tendency towards individualism (a focus on personal achievement and autonomy). This is in contrast to cultures with high power distance, which often prioritize hierarchy and deference to authority figures.

Question 10

An employee who will not present a problem to his or her manager is probably from a __________ culture.

Accepted Answer

In high power distance cultures, there is a significant emphasis on hierarchy and respect for authority. Employees from such cultures may be less likely to present problems to their managers due to fear of overstepping boundaries or showing disrespect.

Question 11

Which of the following is not one of Hofstede's cultural dimentions?

Accepted Answer

High/low context is not one of Hofstede's cultural dimensions, although it is a concept in cross-cultural communication. The other four options (power distance, individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity, and uncertainty avoidance) are Hofstede's cultural dimensions.

Question 12

The unequal exchange in guanxi that honors the more powerful member of the relationship is likened to _________ expectations that powerful family members help weaker members.

Accepted Answer

Confucianism places value on hierarchical relationships and obligations to those in positions of higher power. This is reflected in the unequal exchange in guanxi, where the more powerful member of the relationship is honored and expected to provide assistance and favors to the weaker member.

Question 13

Ronen and Shenkar

Accepted Answer

Ronen and Shenkar's theory includes all of these aspects. They conducted a review of previous research, examined the importance of work goals, studied the satisfaction of needs through work, and clustered countries based on similarities in employee attitudes towards work.

Question 14

Trompenaars' bipolar cultural dimension that measures the extent to which an individual's status depends on performance versus factors like age, class, or gender is called

Accepted Answer

The cultural dimension that measures the extent to which an individual's status depends on performance versus factors like age, class, or gender is known as achievement-ascription, which is represented by Trompenaars' cultural dimension.

Question 15

Carrie is a new manager of a multinational firm. She believes that society as a whole is becoming a "global village" and can therefore manage the firm the same way anywhere. Her view is an example of

Accepted Answer

Carrie's belief that the world is becoming a "global village" and that this allows for managing the firm in the same way anywhere illustrates the concept of cultural convergence. Cultural convergence refers to the idea that cultures around the world are becoming more similar, in part due to the increased interconnectedness and globalization of our world. Therefore, choice D is the best answer.

Question 16

Assigning generic labels to categorize and classify people and nations is called

Accepted Answer

When generic labels are used to categorize and classify people and nations, it is a form of stereotyping. However, this type of stereotyping can be seen as sophisticated because it often involves creating complex categories and subcategories.

Question 17

Discuss the differences in work goals between countries.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the differences in work goals between...

Question 18

Compare and contrast the Hofstede and GLOBE dimensions. Which sophisticated stereotyping is most useful?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the Hofstede and GLOBE...

Question 19

Identify and explain Hofstede's five cultural dimensions. Also explain how these dimensions are a useful guide for managers in a global economy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify and explain Hofstede's five cultural dimensions....

Question 20

Explain "sophisticated stereotyping," and the negative impacts it can have in business.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain "sophisticated stereotyping," and the negative impacts...

Quiz 4: Making Distinctions Across Cultures: Implications for International Management