Question 1

When using metaphors to assist with planned change, one should __________.
A) introduce new traditions from your own culture
B) demonstrate how the planned change builds on relevant traditions
C) show that the planned change will replace traditions
D) explain the change with language and methods from your own culture

Accepted Answer

Using metaphors to assist with planned change should focus on demonstrating how the change builds on relevant traditions, rather than introducing new traditions or replacing existing ones. Additionally, it is important to use language and methods that are familiar to those involved in the change process, rather than imposing your own cultural background.

Question 2

The equality-hierarchy dimension is also referred to as __________.
A) autonomy gap
B) class-caste dimension
C) power distance
D) stratification

Accepted Answer

The equality-hierarchy dimension is most commonly known as power distance, which refers to the extent to which individuals in a society accept and expect unequal distribution of power and resources. Options A, B, and D are related to different dimensions of social stratification and are not the same as the equality-hierarchy dimension.

Question 3

Which of the following sets are among Hofstede's five major dimensions of cultural values?
A) power distance, masculinity-femininity, and individualism-collectivism
B) spiritual-secular, capitalist-socialist, and masculinity-femininity
C) individualism-collectivism, capitalist-socialist, and power distance
D) masculinity-femininity, power-distance, and spiritual-secular

Accepted Answer

The sets that are among Hofstede's five major dimensions of cultural values are power distance, masculinity-femininity, and individualism-collectivism. Option B mentions dimensions that are not among Hofstede's five major dimensions, while option C includes capitalist-socialist, which is not one of Hofstede's dimensions. Option D mentions a dimension called spiritual-secular, which is not one of Hofstede's five major dimensions of cultural values.

Question 4

Americans working with Mexican colleagues must adapt to a cultural pattern known as __________ syndrome.
A) el día
B) mañana
C) mas tarde
D) trabajador

Accepted Answer

"Mañana" syndrome refers to the Mexican cultural tendency to prioritize personal relationships and leisure time over strict adherence to schedules and punctuality. It can be difficult for Americans who value efficiency and timeliness to adjust to this cultural norm.

Question 5

A __________ is for the anthropologist what a __________ is for the physicist.
A) metaphor, hypothesis
B) hypothesis, simile
C) simile, theory
D) theory, metaphor

Accepted Answer

A metaphor in anthropology is used to draw comparisons and understand cultural phenomena, similar to how a hypothesis in physics proposes explanations for physical phenomena.

Question 6

How are high- and low-context communication related to the collectivism-individualism dimension of culture?
A) People in high-context cultures need a lot of background information to function efficiently.
B) Employees in low-context cultures share common goals.
C) Members of high-context cultures have transitory relationships.
D) Goals in low-context cultures tend to be individually defined.

Accepted Answer

Low-context cultures, which align with individualistic cultures, tend to have goals that are individually defined, emphasizing personal achievement and autonomy.

Question 7

Susan, an American, is beginning a business relationship with new colleagues in Nicaragua, which has a P-time culture. What can she do to help develop a solid working relationship with her new colleagues?
A) become more flexible with her schedule and be patient of perceived tardiness
B) focus on the tasks at hand, rather than spending time developing social relationships
C) demonstrate that "time is money," so the new colleagues will understand American business models
D) keep managers and other high-status people waiting, to emphasize equality among all employees

Accepted Answer

As the new colleagues come from a P-time culture, Susan should expect them to be more relaxed when it comes to time, and may not appreciate strict timelines or deadlines. Being flexible with her schedule and understanding perceived tardiness will demonstrate respect and understanding of their cultural differences, which will help in developing a solid working relationship.

Question 8

How is the bipolar, dimensional approach related to ethnocentrism?
A) Both assume a relative approach to cross-cultural communication, in which each culture's value systems are viewed as equally valid.
B) Ethnocentrism is an antiquated idea that has been replaced by frameworks such as the dimensional approach.
C) The dimensional approach aims to replace other culture's value systems with more modern, western ones.
D) The framework assumes that cross-cultural awareness takes place only when you view other cultural values in relation to your own.

Accepted Answer

The bipolar, dimensional approach assumes that cross-cultural awareness takes place only when you view other cultural values in relation to your own, which is similar to ethnocentrism's belief that one's own culture is superior to others.

Question 9

What was the primary assumption of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's value-orientations approach for understanding cultural differences?
A) All cultures have the same basic underlying values.
B) Value systems are culturally relative and cannot be compared across societies.
C) There are only a limited number of solutions to universal human problems.
D) Cultural diversity is too great to have any underlying universal values.

Accepted Answer

The primary assumption of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's value-orientations approach is that there are only a limited number of solutions to universal human problems. This means that cultures may approach these problems differently but their underlying values are similar. This approach acknowledges cultural differences but also seeks to identify universal values and similarities among different cultures.

Question 10

Start-ups represent a __________ culture.
A) change-embracing
B) change-fearing
C) precise-reckoning-of-time
D) loose-reckoning-of-time

Accepted Answer

Start-ups are known for their fast-paced and dynamic culture, where change and innovation are embraced. This allows them to quickly adapt to market trends and customer needs, giving them a competitive edge. Start-ups often have less bureaucracy, allowing for a more flexible and creative work environment.

Question 11

People from synchronically ordered, or __________-time societies, conduct a number of tasks simultaneously.
A) C
B) M
C) P
D) S

Accepted Answer

The concept described in the question is known as "polychronic time." People from polychronic time societies tend to value relationships and interpersonal interactions above punctuality and schedule adherence, and therefore they are more likely to engage in multiple tasks or activities at the same time. Choice C is the letter that corresponds to "polychronic."

Question 12

Which of the following traits is characteristic of collective-oriented cultures?
A) confrontation is acceptable
B) personal goals over group goals
C) strong connections to a few groups
D) value autonomy and independence

Accepted Answer

Collective-oriented cultures tend to value strong connections to a few groups, as opposed to individualistic cultures which prioritize autonomy and independence. Confrontation is generally avoided in collective-oriented cultures and personal goals are often subordinated to the goals of the group.

Question 13

The American view of the future is generally __________.
A) long term
B) short term
C) truncated
D) pessimistic

Accepted Answer

The American view of the future is generally considered to be short term, focusing on immediate or near-term outcomes and benefits rather than long-term planning or consequences. This perspective is often discussed in the context of business practices, political decisions, and cultural attitudes in the United States.

Question 14

A "salad bowl" is a more apt characterization of the U.S. than a "melting pot" because __________.
A) individual subcultures retain their own identity and integrity
B) the subcultures are very similar, like the vegetables in a salad
C) a "salad bowl" provides more positive imagery than a "melting pot"
D) subcultures borrow from the cultural patterns, or flavors, of their neighbors

Accepted Answer

A "salad bowl" allows for individual subcultures to retain their unique identity and integrity within a larger cohesive society. In contrast, a "melting pot" suggests homogeneity and assimilation, which is not necessarily reflective of the diverse subcultures in the U.S.

Question 15

Precise-reckoning-of-time cultures believe that __________.
A) social relationships are secondary to business
B) social relationships are most important
C) time is money
D) time is plentiful

Accepted Answer

Precise-reckoning-of-time cultures, such as Western culture, believe that time is scarce and valuable, equating it with money. Therefore, deadlines and punctuality are highly emphasized in these cultures. Social relationships are still important, but they may take a backseat to business or productivity.

Question 16

What is a major source of criticism for microfinance projects?
A) The entrepreneurs do not have the skills to budget their loan money.
B) The banks do not have sufficient money to make the loans.
C) The interest rates are too high.
D) The loans are not always repaid.

Accepted Answer

The loans are not always repaid.

Question 17

A value system represents __________ in a culture.
A) what actually occurs
B) what is expected or hoped for
C) the most religious or moral behaviors
D) the traditional patterns

Accepted Answer

A value system represents what is expected or hoped for in a culture. It is a set of beliefs and principles that guide the behavior and decision-making of individuals within a society. While it may be influenced by religious or moral beliefs, it is not necessarily limited to those behaviors. It also may not align with what actually occurs or with traditional patterns.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a low-context communication?
A) a long, meandering chat with a potential client
B) an e-mailed memo detailing the day's tasks
C) a perfume advertisement showing beautiful models
D) a modern art exhibit depicting the costs of war

Accepted Answer

Low-context communication is defined as communication that is explicit and direct, with a clear message that is easily understood by others. An e-mailed memo detailing the day's tasks is a good example of this, as it is clear and to the point without any need for interpretation or unpacking of hidden meanings. The other options all contain some degree of ambiguity or require more contextual knowledge to fully grasp the intended message.

Question 19

In the U.S., it is expected that high-status people will __________.
A) continue to move up into higher-status positions
B) play down their superior rank
C) make no notice of rank among their colleagues
D) reinforce their rank through titles, clothing, and behavior

Accepted Answer

In the U.S., cultural norms often encourage high-status individuals to downplay their superior rank to promote a sense of equality and approachability.

Question 20

Which of the following is characteristic of a change-fearing culture?
A) Leaders are likely to be innovative, creative, and approachable.
B) Employees prefer a structured set of policies, rules, and regulations.
C) Partners are able to function in a meeting with a loose agenda.
D) Authority figures are not reluctant to say "I don't know."

Accepted Answer

In a change-fearing culture, employees will typically prefer a structured set of policies, rules, and regulations. This is because they are resistant to change and prefer to have a clear set of guidelines to follow. Option A would not be characteristic of a change-fearing culture, as leaders who are innovative and creative may be more open to change. Option C indicates a flexible and adaptable approach, which is not characteristic of a culture that is resistant to change. Option D suggests that authority figures acknowledge their limitations, which may not necessarily relate to a fear of change.

Quiz 2: Lenses for Understanding Culture and Cultural Differences

When using metaphors to assist with planned change, one should __________.

The equality-hierarchy dimension is also referred to as __________.

Which of the following sets are among Hofstede's five major dimensions of cultural values?

Americans working with Mexican colleagues must adapt to a cultural pattern known as __________ syndrome.

A is for the anthropologist what a is for the physicist.

How are high- and low-context communication related to the collectivism-individualism dimension of culture?

Susan, an American, is beginning a business relationship with new colleagues in Nicaragua, which has a P-time culture. What can she do to help develop a solid working relationship with her new colleagues?

How is the bipolar, dimensional approach related to ethnocentrism?

What was the primary assumption of Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's value-orientations approach for understanding cultural differences?

Start-ups represent a __________ culture.

People from synchronically ordered, or __________-time societies, conduct a number of tasks simultaneously.

Which of the following traits is characteristic of collective-oriented cultures?

The American view of the future is generally __________.

A "salad bowl" is a more apt characterization of the U.S. than a "melting pot" because __________.

Precise-reckoning-of-time cultures believe that __________.

What is a major source of criticism for microfinance projects?

A value system represents __________ in a culture.

Which of the following is an example of a low-context communication?

In the U.S., it is expected that high-status people will __________.

Which of the following is characteristic of a change-fearing culture?