Chapter 2 Flashcards
The Cultural Environments Facing Business
Acculturation
the process of adjusting and adapting to a specific culture other than one’s own. It is one of the keys to success in international operations.
The nation is a useful definition of society because
- similarity among people is a cause and an effect of national boundaries
- it is a reference people make to “we” versus “they.”
Despite using the nation as a cultural reference point
- not everyone therin shares the same values and attitudes
- subcultures exist within nations
- some people have internalized more than one culture
cultural similarities link groups from different countries
Cultural diversity
can be a competitive advantage, but managing it can be difficult.
Cultural collision may cause
- ineffective business practices
- personal distress
National cultures
almost everyone agrees that national cultures differ, but they disagree on what the differences are and the importance of them
Cultural research
can improve a person’s awareness and sensitivity.
Shortcomings in cultureal research include
- erroneous responses to questions
- relying on averages when there are variations
- overlooking changes
Cultural value systems (especially core values)
Are set early in life but may change through:
- choice or imposition
- contact with other cultures
Cultural Imperialism
Change by imposition
Creolization
When change results in mixing cultures
Cultural Diffusion
When contact among countries brings change
A common language is a unifying force, but many countries
- have multiple language groups
- depend on a second language that is common regionally
English has become…
the “international language of business”
- because native English language countries account for so much of world production
- because it is the world’s most important second language
- but it may lose some relative importance in the future
- but it may lead to overvaluing employees with English competence
Many strong values are a result of
a dominant religion
Social stratification is determined by
1) individuals’ achievements and talents (meritocracy)
2) their group identifications
Businesses reward
meritocracy more highly in some societies
Group affiliations can be
- ascribed or acquired
- a reflection of class and status
Country-by-country attitudes vary toward
- social connections
- race and ethnicity
- male and female roles
- rules and expectations based on age
- family ties
The desire for material wealth is
- a prime motivation to work
- positive for economic development
People are more eager to work if
- rewards for success are high relative to failure
- there is some uncertainty of success
Masculinity-femininity index
measures attitudes toward achievement rather than physical attributes of males and females