Question 1

Which method of managing disparate cultures involves a relatively balanced give-and-take of cultural and managerial practices between the merger partners, and no strong imposition of cultural change on either company?

Accepted Answer

Integration involves a relatively balanced give-and-take of cultural and managerial practices between the merger partners, and no strong imposition of cultural change on either company. This approach allows for the retention of important aspects of both cultures while still creating a unified culture.

Question 2

The percentage of U.S.-based expatriate managers who fail to adjust to a host country's social and business environment is

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that approximately 35% of U.S.-based expatriate managers fail to adjust to a host country's social and business environment, which can lead to unsuccessful international assignments.

Question 3

When Renault purchased a controlling interest in Japan's Nissan Motor Company, which approach to managing culture was employed?

Accepted Answer

The integration approach focuses on combining the cultures of the merging companies in a way that creates a new, blended culture. This approach is the most likely choice for Renault's acquisition of Nissan, as it involved a controlling interest in the company, indicating a desire for collaboration and shared culture.

Question 4

According to the text, which one of the following is NOT one of the dangers of using primarily foreign nationals to staff managerial positions in subsidiaries?

Accepted Answer

The text does not mention that using primarily foreign nationals to staff managerial positions in subsidiaries promotes anger and jealousy within the nationalistic host government.

Question 5

Which one of the following is NOT one of Malekzadeh and Nahavardi's four general methods of managing disparate cultures?

Accepted Answer

Segmentation is not listed as one of Malekzadeh and Nahavardi's four general methods of managing disparate cultures.

Question 6

If a planned strategy is NOT compatible with the current culture, but the culture can be easily modified to make it more compatible with the new strategy, what should the organization do?

Accepted Answer

Moving ahead with an incompatible strategy can lead to resistance and ultimately failure to achieve the desired results. Establishing a new structural unit to implement the strategy can also be costly and may not be necessary. Finding a joint-venture partner or contracting with another company may not always be feasible or in line with the organization's goals. Implementing the new strategy and identifying its superiority may not address the cultural barriers that need to be overcome. Therefore, the best option would be to introduce a set of culture-changing activities carefully to make the culture more compatible with the planned strategy. This can involve activities such as training, communication, and rewarding behaviors that are in line with the new strategy.

Question 7

Which method of managing disparate cultures involves one organization's domination over another willing organization?

Accepted Answer

Assimilation involves one dominant organization imposing its culture on a willing organization, causing the latter to abandon its original culture and adopt the norms, values, and practices of the dominant culture.

Question 8

When Admiral was acquired by Maytag Corporation, the Admiral employees were willing to accept the dominance of Maytag's strong quality-oriented culture.This demonstrates which approach to managing culture?

Accepted Answer

Assimilation approach involves blending two cultures into a new composite culture. In this scenario, the Admiral employees are willing to accept the dominance and merge their culture with Maytag's culture, indicating assimilation.

Question 9

If a planned strategy is not compatible with the company's current culture, and management is not willing to make major organizational changes required to manage around the culture, what should the organization do?

Accepted Answer

If the strategy is incompatible with the current culture and management is unwilling to make major changes, partnering with another company that aligns with the strategy can be a viable solution.

Question 10

Which one of the following is NOT one of the characteristics possessed by companies that have made successful major culture changes?

Accepted Answer

Successful major culture changes require perseverance and dedication to achieving the vision, even if it is difficult. Terminating the goal at the first sign of difficulty would not be a characteristic of successful companies.

Question 11

What does "MBO" stand for?

Accepted Answer

MBO stands for Management By Objectives, which is a management approach where employees and managers agree upon specific goals that need to be achieved in a certain period of time.

Question 12

When AT&T acquired NCR Corporation, which management strategy was employed in terms of culture?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When AT&T acquired NCR Corporation, which management...

Question 13

Which of the following practices was not identified by Black and Gregersen in companies that do a good job of managing foreign assignments?

Accepted Answer

The practice of offering foreign assignments to those who want to return home early to share their experiences was not identified by Black and Gregersen in their research on companies that do a good job of managing foreign assignments.

Question 14

The percentage of European and Japanese-based expatriate managers who fail to adjust to a host country's social and business environment is

Accepted Answer

The answer of The percentage of European and Japanese-based expatriate...

Question 15

Strategic goals can be accomplished through defining an action plan.Which one of the following is NOT one of the components which make up an action plan?

Accepted Answer

Where the action will be done is not typically a component of an action plan. The focus is usually on what action will be taken, who will perform it, by when it will be done, and what results are expected.

Question 16

According to the text, what is the "key" to effective management of change in culture?

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that effective communication is the key to managing change in culture, as it helps to involve employees and ensure they understand the reasons behind the change and how their role will be impacted. Planning, operationalization, evaluation, and staffing are important components of managing change, but communication is the essential element that ties them all together.

Question 17

Action plans are important for several reasons.Which one of the following is NOT one of these reasons?

Accepted Answer

This statement is not accurate. While implementing an action plan properly is important for success, it does not guarantee success on its own. There are always external factors that can influence outcomes.

Question 18

The strategy implementation tool used to determine what actions are going to be taken, by whom, during what time frame, and with what expected results is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

An action plan is a specific tool used to detail the specific actions, responsible parties, timeframes, and expected results of implementing a strategy. A mission statement is a brief statement outlining an organization's purpose. MBO (management by objectives) and TQM (total quality management) are broader concepts related to management practices. A succession plan is a tool used to plan for the replacement of key personnel in an organization.

Question 19

Which method of managing disparate cultures is the most common and most destructive method of dealing with two different cultures because one company imposes its demands at the expense of another company's culture?

Accepted Answer

Deculturation is the most destructive method as it involves one company imposing its culture and practices on another, often leading to the erosion or loss of the latter's culture.

Question 20

Which method of managing disparate cultures is characterized by a separation of the two companies' cultures because of their differences?

Accepted Answer

The separation method involves keeping the two companies' cultures separate because of their differences. This method is often used when the cost of integrating or assimilating the cultures is too high or when there is a lack of desire or need for cultural integration.

Quiz 10: Strategy Implementation: Staffing and Directing