Question 1

A boss regularly taking his employees out for casual lunches would indicate a low power distance within the firm.

Accepted Answer

Casual lunches with employees indicate a more informal and equal relationship between the boss and the employees, which is a characteristic of a low power distance culture. In contrast, in high power distance cultures, bosses are expected to maintain a greater distance and formality between themselves and their subordinates.

Question 2

Informal institutions are based on the rules and legal systems of an economy.

Accepted Answer

Informal institutions are based on social norms, customs, and traditions, rather than formal rules and legal systems.

Question 3

The GLOBE project identifies a total of five clusters.

Accepted Answer

The GLOBE (Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness) project identifies nine cultural dimensions and groups countries into ten societal clusters, not five.

Question 4

A country with low masculinity has very subtle differentiation between gender roles in society.

Accepted Answer

According to Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, a country with low masculinity has a more fluid and flexible approach to gender roles, with less emphasis on traditional masculine behavior and attitudes. This can result in a more equal and inclusive society.

Question 5

Social structure is the outcome of a society's formal and informal rules of the game.

Accepted Answer

Social structure refers to the organized patterns of social relationships and institutions that shape society. These patterns are shaped by both formal rules (such as laws and policies) and informal rules (such as customs and social norms). Therefore, social structure can be seen as the outcome of a society's formal and informal rules of the game.

Question 6

Informal institutions are constructed on the regulatory pillars of a society.

Accepted Answer

Informal institutions are based on shared norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors, not on formal regulatory frameworks.

Question 7

According to the institution-based view,informal institutions must be sought when formal institutions fail.

Accepted Answer

The institution-based view suggests that informal institutions should be sought when formal institutions fail to effectively regulate behavior and create economic growth. Therefore, informal institutions are seen as complementary to formal institutions, rather than a replacement or alternative.

Question 8

In socially mobile societies,education functions as a means to maintain social stratification.

Accepted Answer

In socially mobile societies, education functions as a means to promote social mobility and reduce social stratification. Education is seen as a way for individuals to improve their skills and knowledge, and move up the social ladder regardless of their family background or social status. However, it is important to note that not all societies are equally socially mobile, and access to education and opportunities for mobility can be influenced by factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Question 9

Dividing individuals of a society into hierarchical classes is an example of social stratification.

Accepted Answer

Social stratification is the division of individuals into different levels or strata based on their social status, wealth, power or occupation. This results in a hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society, with some enjoying privileges and opportunities that are not available to others.

Question 10

Social mobility refers to the degree to which people can move from one area to another area in a country.

Accepted Answer

Social mobility refers to the ability of individuals to move up or down the social ladder in a society - in terms of education, income, occupation, or status - regardless of their birth or family background, not from one area to another.

Question 11

In high-context cultures,communication is usually taken at face value without much reliance on unspoken context.

Accepted Answer

In high-context cultures, unspoken context, such as nonverbal cues and shared cultural background, play a significant role in communication. Therefore, communication is not taken at face value but needs to be interpreted in light of the context.

Question 12

Power distance is the extent to which less powerful members within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

Accepted Answer

Power distance refers to the degree of acceptance or expectation of unequal distribution of power within a society, with some individuals or groups having more power than others.

Question 13

The Ronen and Shenkar cluster divides the world into eight civilizations.

Accepted Answer

The Ronen and Shenkar cluster actually divides the world into nine cultural clusters, not eight civilizations.

Question 14

The United States is often classified as a collectivist society.

Accepted Answer

The United States is more commonly classified as an individualistic society, emphasizing independence and self-reliance. While there may be some collectivist values within certain communities or organizations, overall the cultural norms prioritize individual achievement and success.

Question 15

Addressing bosses with honorary titles would be an instance of low power distance in a firm.

Accepted Answer

In a firm, addressing bosses with honorary titles is an instance of high power distance, as it emphasizes the hierarchical differences and formal respect between employees and their superiors.

Question 16

In individualistic societies,ties between individuals are relatively close.

Accepted Answer

In individualistic societies, ties between individuals are relatively weak and people tend to prioritize their individual needs and goals over those of the group or community. In contrast, in collectivist societies, ties between individuals are stronger and people place more importance on group harmony and collective goals.

Question 17

The cultural norms of a country is an example of an informal institution.

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms are unwritten, unofficial rules that dictate how people behave and interact with each other in a society. They are not enforced by a government or formal organization, but are rather passed down through generations and learned through observation and socialization. Therefore, cultural norms are an example of an informal institution.

Question 18

English-speaking countries contribute the largest share of global business output.

Accepted Answer

English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are major contributors to global business output.

Question 19

The United States has a low-context culture in business.

Accepted Answer

In a low-context culture, communication is explicit and messages are conveyed directly. The United States is known for its direct and clear communication style in business, which reflects a low-context culture.

Question 20

Informal institutions are closely related to ethnocentrism.

Accepted Answer

Informal institutions are often influenced by cultural and societal norms, which can be rooted in ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture or group is superior to others, which can shape informal institutions in a way that favors certain groups or practices over others.

Quiz 3: Emphasizing Informal Institutions: Cultures, ethics, and Norms