Question 1

According to a survey conducted in 1980 by Hofstede, there are four underlying dimensions of culture, which are:

Accepted Answer

Hofstede's survey identified four underlying dimensions of culture as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, and masculine/feminine. These dimensions have become the foundation for many studies on cross-cultural communication and have since been expanded upon with additional dimensions. Choice A lists the correct four dimensions identified by Hofstede.

Question 2

According to research by Trompenaars, there are five dimensions of culture, which are:

Accepted Answer

Trompenaars' model of culture includes seven dimensions, but the five mentioned in option D (universalism vs. particularism, individualism vs. communitarianism, neutral vs. affective, specific vs. diffuse, and achievement vs. ascription) are correctly attributed to his research.

Question 3

For the most part, advocates of the etic approach identify cultural boundaries with political ones.

Accepted Answer

The etic approach aims to understand cultural phenomena from an outsider's perspective, often using universal concepts and theories. In this approach, cultural boundaries are typically identified with political ones as they are seen as externally imposed and delineated.

Question 4

A frequent problem encountered by Australian businesspeople in Asia (particularly in Japan) is whether 'yes' means 'yes' or merely 'I hear what you are saying'.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. In Asian cultures, particularly in Japan, it is common for people to use indirect communication and avoid causing offense by saying 'no' directly. Therefore, it can often be difficult for Australian businesspeople to determine whether 'yes' means a definite agreement or simply a polite acknowledgement without commitment.

Question 5

Which of the following might be important when communicating messages across different cultures?

Accepted Answer

All of the options are important factors to consider when communicating messages across different cultures. The way a message is communicated, who communicates it, and the timing of the message can all influence how it is received and interpreted by individuals from different cultural backgrounds. It is important to be mindful of these factors in order to effectively communicate across diverse cultures.

Question 6

What is meant by high-context and low-context cultures? What are some of the issues that can arise for marketers in an international context when moving from one style of context to the other?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by high-context and low-context...

Question 7

During the opening stage of international negotiations, it is desirable to check that both sides have a common understanding of the topic of the negotiations.

Accepted Answer

It is important to ensure that both sides share a common understanding of the topic at hand in order to facilitate productive discussions and progress towards a mutually beneficial agreement.

Question 8

In some cultures customs are specific and transparent while in others they are opaque, providing room to manoeuvre and repay favours. Discuss these different approaches in relation to the use of the internet in international business.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In some cultures customs are specific and...

Question 9

The concept of adaptation in international marketing refers to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The concept of adaptation in international marketing...

Question 10

According to Hofstede's dimension of long-term versus short-term orientation and country differences, Hong Kong is an example of a country that exhibits a long-term orientation.

Accepted Answer

According to Hofstede's dimension of long-term versus short-term orientation, Hong Kong scores high in long-term orientation. This is reflected in their focus on perseverance and savings, as well as their respect for traditional values and institutions.

Question 11

Factors to consider when establishing an international negotiating team include:

Accepted Answer

All of the factors mentioned (status of team members, allocation of tasks, and number of people in the team) are important considerations when establishing an international negotiating team. The status of team members can affect their level of authority and influence in the negotiation process, while the allocation of tasks can ensure that each member plays a role that aligns with their strengths and expertise. The number of people in the team should also be carefully considered to ensure that the team is not too large or too small for the negotiation at hand.

Question 12

Explain what is meant by the 'iceberg principle'. What are the implications of this principle in practice? Find examples where an international program has been undermined because of the iceberg principle.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain what is meant by the 'iceberg...

Question 13

When participants have the same view of the purpose of the negotiations this considered a willingness to make cultural adjustments.

Accepted Answer

Having the same view of the purpose of negotiations reflects a shared understanding or goal alignment, not necessarily a willingness to make cultural adjustments. Cultural adjustments involve adapting behaviors, communication styles, and expectations to accommodate cultural differences, which is distinct from simply agreeing on negotiation objectives.

Question 14

There are a number of culturally relevant factors that need to be kept in mind when engaging in negotiations with individuals from other countries, as thought processes differ around the world. Name them and explain their significance.
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Accepted Answer

The answer of There are a number of culturally relevant...

Question 15

When negotiating, it is advisable to always make sure that you have a smaller team than the other party involved in the negotiations.

Accepted Answer

The size of the negotiating team does not necessarily determine the success of the negotiations. Other factors such as preparation, strategy, and communication skills are more important. It is also possible for a smaller team to have a disadvantage if they lack expertise or experience compared to a larger team.

Question 16

Tolerance of ambiguity is a cultural factor that can complicate relationships between Asian and Western organisations. It is sometimes included in which of Hofstede's dimensions of culture?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance of ambiguity is closely related to the degree of uncertainty avoidance in a culture. The higher the uncertainty avoidance, the lower the tolerance for ambiguity. Hofstede's dimension of uncertainty avoidance captures the extent to which a culture feels threatened by uncertain or unknown situations and attempts to avoid them by developing strict rules, rituals or beliefs.

Question 17

When conducting international negotiations, the atmosphere can be extremely important and can have a positive or negative effect on the outcome. The factors that can influence the atmosphere include:

Accepted Answer

The degree of mutual orientation, feelings toward the other party and willingness to make cultural adjustments are all factors that can have an impact on the atmosphere during international negotiations. This includes having a positive or negative effect on the outcome. The other factors listed in the other answer choices are important as well but may not have as direct of an impact on the atmosphere during negotiations.

Question 18

Due to widespread globalisation, consumption patterns all over the world do not differ much from country to country.

Accepted Answer

While there are certainly some similarities in consumption patterns around the world, there are also many differences that are influenced by factors such as culture, economic development, and geography. For example, the types of foods consumed, the modes of transportation used, and the types of clothing worn can all vary greatly based on these factors.

Question 19

The approach to measuring cultural differences based on the notion that underlying cultural differences between nations are a set of variables that can be applied uniformly and that cover all dimensions of difference is referred to as the ________ approach.

Accepted Answer

The approach described is referred to as the etic approach, which assumes that cultural differences can be measured using universal variables that apply to all cultures. The other choices do not accurately describe this approach.

Question 20

There are generally five major stages in international negotiations. After pre-negotiation, the other four stages are:

Accepted Answer

The four stages after pre-negotiation are opening, bargaining, agreement, and post-negotiation. Option C is the only one that correctly identifies these stages in order. Option A is incorrect because it has convergence as a stage which is not one of the major stages in international negotiations. Option B is incorrect because it includes initial assessment instead of a bargaining stage. Option D is incorrect because it includes a technical evaluation stage which is not a major stage in international negotiations. Option E is incorrect because it includes a research stage instead of a bargaining stage.

Quiz 4: Catering for the Social and Cultural Environment of International Marketing