Question 1

Which of the following strategies is it NOT a good idea to adopt in a multicultural, Canadian workplace?

Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

When you are speaking to one of your subordinates, she always drops her eyes.Which of the following is probably true?

Accepted Answer

Dropping eyes during a conversation, especially in a hierarchical context, often indicates deference to a superior. This behavior can be a sign of respect or acknowledgment of the other's higher status or authority.

Question 3

What should you do to appear more authoritative in a speaking situation?

Accepted Answer

Lowering the pitch of your voice can make it sound deeper and more confident, which can help you appear more authoritative.

Question 4

According to Ray Birdwhistell's research, how many gestures or body motions have the same meaning in all societies?

Accepted Answer

According to Ray Birdwhistell's research, there are no gestures or body motions that have the same meaning in all societies. Cultural and contextual factors heavily influence nonverbal communication, and gestures may have different meanings or interpretations across different cultures and social contexts.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common misconception about the Middle East?

Accepted Answer

The majority of people in the Middle East are Muslim.

Question 6

When were the members of Generation Y born?

Accepted Answer

Members of Generation Y were born between 1981 and 1999, as defined by most sources. Option A is the time frame for the Baby Boomer generation, option B is for Generation X, and option D is for Generation Z.

Question 7

Which approach is best if a business associate refuses to look you in the eye while you and he are speaking?

Accepted Answer

Different cultures and individuals may have different beliefs and social norms regarding eye contact in business situations. It is important to be aware of these differences and not jump to conclusions or make assumptions based on one's own cultural background or personal preferences. Option D acknowledges this possibility and indicates a willingness to respect and adapt to different communication styles.

Question 8

You ask a friend at work at your firm's Greek office if she will send you a copy of a confidential memo.She says nothing.You are surprised it never comes.Which of the following is the BEST explanation of your friend's reaction?

Accepted Answer

Your friend's silence can be interpreted as a polite way of declining to send you the confidential memo. It is possible that your friend cannot send the memo due to company policies or she is uncomfortable with sharing confidential information.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT generally true of Canadian businesses?

Accepted Answer

While many Canadian businesses do have international experience and cross-cultural training, it is not necessarily true that they are extremely accomplished at leveraging it. This statement may be an overgeneralization and there may be businesses that struggle with leveraging international experience.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a good strategy for communicating with international audiences?

Accepted Answer

Direct requests may not always be appropriate or well-received in certain cultures. It's important to consider cultural differences and adjust communication strategies accordingly.

Question 11

Business communication practices in Canada place the importance on the written words.What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The emphasis on written communication in Canada indicates low-context preferences, meaning that important information is communicated explicitly and directly rather than relying on shared understandings or nonverbal cues.

Question 12

Which of the following statements is a correct description of ethnocentrism?

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge other cultures and behaviors according to the standards and values of one's own culture. It can lead to stereotypes and prejudice towards other cultures. While it may be natural to have pride in one's own culture (option B), it is not the definition of ethnocentrism. It is also not a useful tool for successful decision-making (option C) as it can lead to biased judgments and hinder understanding of other cultures. Option A is incorrect as ethnocentrism actually perpetuates stereotyping rather than resisting it.

Question 13

Some Europeans see North American business people as overly time-conscious.Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some Europeans see North American business people...

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a good strategy for communicating with aboriginal peoples?

Accepted Answer

Focusing solely on the written word is not a good strategy for communicating with aboriginal peoples as they may have different cultural traditions and oral communication may be more valuable to them. It's important to be aware of their preferences and adapt accordingly.

Question 15

John has noticed that Cindy tends to frequently punctuate her conversations with nods, "yes's," and "mm hmms." Which of the following explanations should he adopt for her behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Cindy's nodding, "yes's," and "mm hmms" likely indicate that she is actively listening to John and trying to signal that she is engaged in the conversation.

Question 16

You are in a meeting with an international executive at his office.A colleague comes in to talk to him during your appointment, and he accepts two phone calls.Which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

Accepting phone calls and interruptions during a meeting is a common practice in polychronic cultures, where people prioritize relationships and flexibility over schedules and punctuality. This behavior does not necessarily mean that he thinks you are less important or disorganized, but that he operates in a different cultural context.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT generally a North American preference when conducting business online?

Accepted Answer

A relationship-oriented style is not typically a North American preference when conducting business online. North Americans tend to prioritize clear, concise, and direct communication and expect immediate or rapid feedback. While building relationships is important, it is not typically the primary focus in online business interactions.

Question 18

Which of the following is most true of the multigenerational workplace?

Accepted Answer

While there may be some differences in approach and communication style between generations, research suggests that there are more similarities than differences. It is important for organizations to foster collaboration and understanding across generations in order to create a successful multigenerational workplace.

Question 19

You are speaking to a group of 20 people for 20 minutes.Which of the following strategies will improve the effectiveness of your voice quality?

Accepted Answer

Varying the pitch, volume, and tone of your voice throughout the presentation can help keep the audience engaged and interested in what you are saying. This also helps convey different emotions and emphasis on certain points you are making.

Question 20

Which of the following would normally NOT be a mindset that would make an employee a good candidate for an overseas position?

Accepted Answer

This mindset indicates a bias towards their own culture and does not show an understanding or respect for the host culture. A good candidate for an overseas position should have an open mind and be willing to adapt to the cultural differences and practices of the host country.

Quiz 5: Communicating Across Cultures