Unit 3: Chapter 3 - What is Culture?

Question 1

What is culture?

Answer 1

Values & beliefs of a community or a nation

Includes religion, laws, language, technology, art, music, literature, knowledge, experiences, attitudes, symbols, and possessions.

Question 2

What are cultural norms?

Answer 2

Cultural expectations, appearance, observances and behaviour that are standard in a region or country.

Question 3

What is cultural imperialism?

Answer 3

When a group or nation imposes its cultural values and customs on another.

Question 4

Why is culture important in international business?

Answer 4

Cultural factors influence international business methods and operations.

Question 5

What are three cultural determinants that shape a country’s culture?

Answer 5

1) Religion
2) Geography
3) History

Question 6

What is a counterculture?

Answer 6

A culture that has values or lifestyles that are in opposition to those of the current accepted culture.

Question 7

What is a subculture?

Answer 7

A cultural group within a larger or predominant culture.

Question 8

What is the impact of geography on Canadian culture?

Answer 8

Influences clothing, building materials, food, and lifestyle choices

Examples include dog sledding and the trans-Canada highway.

Question 9

What are customs?

Answer 9

Ways in which cultural behaviours are performed, including social habits and traditional behaviors.

Question 10

What is the significance of cultural transmission?

Answer 10

Culture is transmitted from one generation to the next through education and by example.

Question 11

What is the definition of cultural dimensions?

Answer 11

Frameworks for understanding how cultural values influence behavior.

Question 12

What are some factors that distinguish a subculture?

Answer 12

1) Class
2) Ethnic background
3) Religion

Question 13

What are the two types of time perception in meeting culture?

Answer 13

Monochronic: A focus on doing one task at a time, with high value on schedules and punctuality.
Polychronic: A focus on multitasking, with flexible attitudes toward schedules and prioritizing relationships over time.

Monochronic refers to a linear and sequential approach to time, while Polychronic views time as elastic and flexible.

Question 14

What does spatial perception in meeting culture refer to?

Answer 14

Individual comfort levels with personal space and physical contact

This includes concepts like ‘The Close Talker’.

Question 15

What are key elements of non-verbal communication in business meetings?

Answer 15

Eye contact, body language, and gestures

These are crucial for effective communication in a business context.

Question 16

What topics are important in business etiquette?

Answer 16

Appropriate topics of conversation, gift presentation, business dress, and business card exchange

Understanding these aspects can enhance business interactions.

Question 17

What is Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions used for?

Answer 17

To describe specific aspects of culture and understand cultural differences in business

It reflects a society’s overall tendencies rather than individual behaviors.

Question 18

Define Power Distance (PDI) in Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions.

Answer 18

High power distance sees superiority based on social status, while low power distance assumes equality

High power distance countries include Mexico, Indonesia, and India; low includes Austria, Israel, and Canada.

Question 19

What characterizes High Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)?

Answer 19

Preference for formal rules, strong religious convictions, and distrust of outsiders

High UAI countries include Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Japan.

Question 20

What does Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS) dimension refer to?

Answer 20

Masculinity values assertiveness and competitiveness; femininity values nurturing and social support

Masculine cultures include Japan and Mexico; feminine cultures include Scandinavia and Thailand.

Question 21

What is the difference between Individualism and Collectivism (IDV)?

Answer 21

Individualism encourages personal choice; collectivism values the greater good

Individualistic cultures include Canada and the US; collectivist cultures include Cuba and China.

Question 22

Define Long-Term Orientation (LTO).

Answer 22

Values thrift and perseverance for long-term goals; short-term orientation focuses on immediate results

Long-term oriented cultures include China and Japan; short-term oriented include the USA and Canada.

Question 23

What is the distinction between Indulgence and Restraint in Hofstede’s dimensions?

Answer 23

Indulgence: A cultural trait where people freely pursue enjoyment, happiness, and fun, emphasizing leisure and gratification.
Restraint: A cultural trait where people control desires and impulses, emphasizing strict social norms and limiting leisure activities.

High indulgence countries include Canada and the U.S.; high restraint include Russia and China.