Question 1

For many individuals,________________ takes priority over profit,security,or any other goal.

Accepted Answer

A good personal and/or family life is typically the top priority for most individuals, even over financial gain or career success. People prioritize their relationships and personal fulfillment over material possessions and other external ambitions.

Question 2

Which of the following forms of business decision-making characterizes most Asian countries?

Accepted Answer

Consensus decision-making involves reaching a widely accepted agreement among all parties involved. This approach is often used in Asian countries where group harmony and cooperation are highly valued. This approach ensures that all opinions are considered, and the final decision is reached with the most support and agreement possible among those involved.

Question 3

There are many different views regarding the most important ideas on which normative U.S.cultural concepts are based.All of the following are generally accepted as acceptable ideas with this respect EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The cultural concept of the collective good outweighing individual gain is not generally accepted as an important normative idea in US culture. Rather, individualism and individual achievement are highly valued. The other options listed are generally accepted as important normative concepts in US culture.

Question 4

There is a very strong belief in the United States that business decisions (and the managers that make these decisions)should be based on a scientific approach and made from a non-emotional posture.Which of the following terms best describes this approach?

Accepted Answer

The approach being described is one that emphasizes objective analysis, rather than emotional or subjective decision-making. This approach is often associated with the scientific method, which seeks to test hypotheses through empirical observation and analysis.

Question 5

Edward T.Hall wrote a book entitled "The Silent Language of Overseas Business." Which of the following phrases or terms would most likely be covered in his book?

Accepted Answer

Edward T. Hall's book "The Silent Language of Overseas Business" focuses on non-verbal communication and cultural differences in business settings. The symbolic importance (or lack of importance) of time is a key aspect of cross-cultural communication that would likely be covered in his book. Choice A is not directly related to the topic of the book, Choice B is a specific concept within a larger cultural tradition (Chinese culture), Choice D is a broad topic that may not be specifically related to business communication, and Choice E is a narrow topic that may not have significant impact on overseas business communication.

Question 6

Many international marketing companies address the Internet language problem by:

Accepted Answer

Having country-specific Web sites allows for the marketing company to cater to the specific language needs and cultural nuances of each country they are targeting, instead of relying solely on English or automated translations. This can help to establish better relationships with target audiences and increase the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Question 7

Personal security and job mobility relate directly to basic human motivation.Assume that you wanted to work for a company that had a strong paternalistic orientation and would probably employ you for your entire life.In which of the following countries would you find that the majority of companies would follow the employment model you have described?

Accepted Answer

France has a strong culture of paternalism in the workplace, where employers offer secure employment for life and take care of their employees' well-being. The government regulations in France also favor employees, making it challenging for companies to terminate employment without just cause. Therefore, it is more likely to find companies with a strong paternalistic orientation in France compared to the other countries listed.

Question 8

In countries with high- _____________,subordinates would be unlikely to contradict bosses,but in low- ___________ countries they often do.

Accepted Answer

Position Distance Index (PDI) is a measure of the extent to which less powerful members of organizations or institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. In countries with high PDI, there is a greater acceptance of hierarchy and authority, and subordinates are less likely to contradict bosses. On the other hand, in low PDI countries, there is less acceptance of hierarchy and authority, and subordinates are more likely to speak up and contradict bosses. Therefore, the answer is B - Position Distance Indexes (PDIs).

Question 9

A key value underlying the American business system is reflected in the notion of __________.

Accepted Answer

The American business system is based on the idea that success comes from hard work and a never-ending quest for improvement.

Question 10

Competition yielding efficiency,"master of destiny" viewpoint,and wide sharing of decision making would characterize which of the following country's cultural concepts in business?

Accepted Answer

The United States is known for its competitive business environment, belief in individual control over destiny, and a more democratic approach to decision-making compared to more hierarchical cultures.

Question 11

For international marketers operating in authoritative and delegated societies,the chief problem is:

Accepted Answer

In authoritative and delegated societies, identifying the individual with authority can be the chief problem for international marketers. In authoritative societies, decision-making power is concentrated in the hands of a few, while in delegated societies, decisions are made by a larger group but one member is typically given the authority to make the final decision.

Question 12

Betty Roberts became an embarrassment to her company when she joked about the ruling monarchy in England before a group of visiting English businessmen and women.Betty should have known that political ridicule by a foreigner is rarely accepted.Ms.Roberts has violated what is known as a cultural:

Accepted Answer

Cultural exclusives are those customs or behavior patterns reserved exclusively for the locals and from which the foreigner is barred.

Question 13

Adam Smith in his Wealth of Nations stated,"By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intended to promote it." Which of the following notions is most closely associated with this view as stated by Adam Smith?

Accepted Answer

Adam Smith's statement about pursuing one's own interest leading to benefits for society is known as the concept of the invisible hand. According to this notion, in a competitive market economy, individuals pursuing their own self-interests will unintentionally also promote the interests of society as a whole.

Question 14

In a high context implicit communication environment who says something,how it is said,and when it is said is very important.Which of the following countries would we find to be "high context implicit" with respect to communication practices?

Accepted Answer

Saudi Arabia is a country that is known to be high context implicit with respect to communication practices. In this type of environment, nonverbal cues, group settings, and indirect messages are often more important than the words that are spoken. Communication is often more nuanced and dependent on a shared understanding of cultural norms and context.

Question 15

Which of the following would be the best description of the "master of destiny" philosophy that is fundamental to U.S.management thought?

Accepted Answer

The "master of destiny" philosophy in U.S. management thought suggests that people can substantially influence their own future and are in control of their own destiny. This philosophy emphasizes personal responsibility and the ability of individuals to shape their own lives.

Question 16

Gen Akoi has worked for Mitsubishi for all of his adult life.In fact,Mitsubishi is his life.When asked what he does for a living he immediately responds,"I work for Mitsubishi!" Even though he is a crane operator,Mr.Akio most closely identifies with his employer.Which of the following terms most accurately describes the work identification present in Gen Akoi's life?

Accepted Answer

Gen Akoi's identification with his employer, Mitsubishi, reflects a group identification. This is because he closely identifies with the collective values, goals and culture of the organization, which is a hallmark of group identification.

Question 17

Simon Peters is very conscious of his behavior as he greets prospective Japanese clients at a local Tokyo restaurant.Though he invites all of the guests to drink sake from lacquered trays,he abstains because of a severe stomach ulcer.He perceives his abstention to be permissible in Japanese society because drinking sake would be considered to be a cultural ___________ for foreign guests.

Accepted Answer

The word "elective" means optional or chosen. In this situation, Simon Peters chooses to abstain from drinking sake due to his health condition, but he still offers it to his Japanese clients as a cultural option. This shows that his abstention is not a violation of any cultural imperative or exclusive norm.

Question 18

In a low-context explicit communication culture one would expect to find that verbal exactness in communication dominates other communication variables.Which of the following countries has been described as being low context explicit with respect to communication practices?

Accepted Answer

Switzerland is known for its direct and explicit communication style. Swiss people value precision, clarity, and efficiency in communication, which are characteristics of low-context cultures. In contrast, high-context cultures like Japan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and some other countries tend to rely on indirect and implicit communication styles.

Question 19

No matter how thoroughly prepared a marketer may be when approaching a foreign market,a certain amount of __________ occurs.

Accepted Answer

Culture shock refers to the discomfort or disorientation experienced by someone who is unfamiliar with the customs, culture, and social norms of a new environment. No matter how well-prepared a marketer may be before entering a foreign market, they are likely to experience some culture shock as they navigate the new cultural landscape. This can include differences in language, communication styles, social customs, business practices, and consumer behavior, among other factors.

Question 20

Many U.S.companies are reconsidering __________.

Accepted Answer

Many U.S. companies are reconsidering flextime work arrangements as they adapt to changing workforce needs and preferences, especially in the context of remote work and work-life balance.

Quiz 5: Culture, Management Style, and Business Systems