Ch. 4 The Cultural Environment of International Business

Question 0

Key concepts of culture

propably wont have to memorize the list but will have to know about each one

Answer 0

1 cross cultural risk 6 cultural change
2 characteristics of culture 7 international business context
3 models and explanations 8 managerial implications
4 religion
5 language

Question 1

What are the four risks of International Business?

Answer 1

1Cross-Cultural Risk
2 Country Risk
3 Currency (Financial Risk)
4 Commercial Risk

Question 2

culture

Answer 2

the learned, shared, and enduring orientation patterns in a society. People demonstrate their culture through values, ideas, attitudes, behaviors, and symbols.

Question 3

cross cultural risk

Answer 3

a situation or event where a cultural miscommunication puts some human value a stake. It arises in environments characterized by unfamiliar languages and unique value system beliefs, and behaviors

Question 4

Ethnocentric orientation

Answer 4

using our own culture as the standard for judging others

Question 5

polycentric orientation

Answer 5

a mindset in which the manager develops a greater affinity for the country in which he or she works than for the home country

Question 6

geocentric orientation

Answer 6

a global mindset in which the manager is able to understand a business or market without regard to national boundaries

Question 7

Culture is not…not…not…

Answer 7

not right or wrong, not about individual behavior, and not inherited

Question 8

Socialization

Answer 8

the process of learning the rules and behavioral patterns appropriate to one’s society

Question 9

acculturation

Answer 9

the process of adjusting and adapting to a culture other than ones own

Question 10

explain why culture is like an iceberg

Answer 10

above the surface certain characteristics are visible, below he surface is a massive base of assumptions, attitudes, and values that strongly influence decision-making relationships, and other dimensions of business.

Question 11

culture is linked by various factors

Answer 11

1 geography
2 ethnicity
3 gender-perceptions unique to men and women
4 age-seniors, baby boomers, teens children
5 language-both reflects, and is reflected by cultural differences
6 occupation-perspectives differ among blue/white collar, artists

Question 12

National Culture

Answer 12

nationality ethnicity gender religion social institutions social class educational systems

Question 13

Professional Culture

Answer 13

academe business banking engineering computer programming legal medical military

Question 14

cultural metaphors

Answer 14

refer to a distinctive tradition or institution strongly associated with a society; a guide to deciphering attitudes, values, and behaviors

Question 15

stereotypes

Answer 15

generalizations that may or may not be factual and often overlook real, deeper differences

Question 16

Idiom

Answer 16

an expression whose symbolic meaning differs from its literal meaning; you cant understand it simply by knowing what the individual words mean

Question 17

low context cultures

Answer 17

rely on explicit explanations with an emphasis on spoken words. such cultures emphasize clear, efficient logical delivery of verbal messages. communication is direct. agreements are concluded with specific, legal contacts

Question 18

high context cultures

Answer 18

emphasize nonverbal or indirect language. communication aims to promote smooth, harmonious relationships. such cultures prefer a polite, “face saving” style that emphasizes a mutual sense of care and respect for others. care is taken not to embarrass or offend others.

Question 19

individualism versus collectivism

Answer 19

refers to whether a person primarily functions as an individual or within a group

Question 20

power distance

Answer 20

describes how society deals with inequalities in power that exist among people
(high power exhibit big gaps between weak and powerful. MGMT autocratic, give little autonomy. LOW power distance have small gaps, firms flat org. structure, relatively equal relations )

Question 21

Uncertainty Avoidance

Answer 21

refers to the extent to which people can tolerate risk and uncertainty in their lives

Question 22

masculinity versus femininity

Answer 22

refers to a society’s orientation based on traditional values
(masculine-competitiveness ambition assertiveness wealth)
(Feminine-nurturing, interdependence, caring for less fortunate)

Question 23

Long term vs short term orientation

Answer 23

degree to which people and organizations defer gratification to achieve long term success

Question 24

values

Answer 24

represent a persons judgements about what is good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable, important or unimportant, and normal or abnormal.

Question 25

Attitudes

Answer 25

preferences are developed based on values and are similar to opinions, except that attitudes are often unconsciously held and may not have a rational basis.

Question 26

deal oriented vs relationship oriented cultures

Answer 26

REL- managers value affiliations, rapport, knowing other party in business interactions; relationships >individual deals; trust valued
DEAL- managers focus on the task at hand, are impersonal, typically use contracts, and want to get down to business

Question 27

Perceptions of Time

Answer 27

Mono-chronic-a rigid orientation to time in which the individual is focused on schedules, punctuality, time as a resource, time is linear(money)POLYCHRONIC-a flexible linear orientation to time in which the individual takes a long term perspective; time is elastic, long delays are tolerated before taking action. Punctuality<

Question 28

close interaction between service providers and consumers effect consumers as well as culture because

Answer 28

substantial cultural difference will effect services mi

Question 29

How does technology relate to culture

Answer 29

differences influence culture. internet, multimedia and communications encourage convergence in global culture. ‘death of distance’ culture is becoming homogenous. internet promotes local culture by increasing the availability of high culture and folk culture.

Question 30

What are Critics arguing about America’s influence on culture?

Answer 30

globalization critics argue that replacement of indigenous cultures with homogenous ‘americanized’ culture ie clothing food drinks cars hotels websites movies tv and OTHERS argue encourages the worldwide flow of ideas, beliefs, values, and products. today people exposed to diversity of beliefs, values approaches products

Question 31

Culture converging or diversifying

Answer 31

homogeneity and heterogeneity occur together. cultural flows are diverse. globalization will eclipse some past way but the process can liberate people by providing new ideas and challenging conformity and nationalism.

Question 32

Managerial guidelines for cross cultural success

Answer 32

• acquire factual and interpretive knowledge CRITICAL INCIDENT
• avoid cultural bias ANALYSIS
• develop cross cultural skills 1. Id situations need to be C.aware
• self reference criterion 2 dont judge awkward behavior
  3. develop best interpretation of behavior 4continously improve/lrn