The following are the best answers to quiz scenario questions 1 through 10.
Question #1
Best answer is d. He is merely "multitasking" in a way that is culturally acceptable in Brazil.
While maintaining relationships is very important in Latin cultural environments, the key here is how people from different cultures view task ordering and scheduling time. In many cultures, including the United States(even though "multitasking" has become a popular expression), doing one thing at a time and giving that task your full attention is considered the proper way. In many other parts of the world, including parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, attending to multiple tasks and several people at the same time is acceptable.
Question #2
Best answer is a. The Malaysians interpreted your gesture as overly aggressive.
While appearing overly boastful can be considered rude in Malaysian culture, the key here is the perception of the pounding gesture as overly aggressive and even threatening. Generally speaking, loud and dramatic gestures do not go over well in Asian countries.
Question #3
Best answer is d. The manager is merely observing the customary amount of "personal space" between colleagues in his country.
The normal standing distance between acquaintances in the United States is about 18 inches. In many parts of the world, this distance is smaller, about 12 inches or less in Latin America or the Middle East. People become uncomfortable when they perceive other intruding in their "personal space."
Question #4
Best answer is d. You are experiencing the normal strain of adjustment to a different cultural environment.
Managers on assignment overseas are often so busy at their jobs that they become unaware of the level of stress adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. Thus, expatriate "brownout" is a common hazard of overseas assignments and can be managed with self awareness and periodic stress "breaks."
Question #5
Best answer is b.The Mexicans were offended by the disrespect shown to a serious business setting by the frivolity and informality of the costumes.
While Mexicans enjoy celebrating holidays,including their own "Day of the Dead" the key here is the business setting. "Fun and games" while doing business is often accepted as a morale booster in the United States. However, in many parts of the world, proper business appearance and demeanor are more formal and considered a sign of courtesy and respect. When scheduling events, try to brief everyone on proper attire.
Question #6
Best answer is c. She didn't want to make you "lose face" by admitting she did not understand your directions completely.
While polite gestures can be confused as affirmation, the key here is the employee-supervisor relationship. In many Asian cultures, employees are reluctant to directly ask for clarification of instructions, which may imply that the supervisor did not give the instructions well in the first place. Next time, try paraphrasing to ensure mutual understanding.
Question #7
Best answer is c. The Japanese are waiting for the Senior Vice President, the most senior member of your group, to begin eating so that they can begin.
While Japanese generally do not carry on conversations while eating, the key here is the senior position of the speaker, who must start eating before the others will begin.
Question #8
Best answer is a. She assumes since you are her boss that you have power over her conditions of employment, including salary.
While she may consider you a friend, the key here is your position of authority. In many cultures, the boss is assumed to have authority over a wider range of functions than is normally assumed in the United States. To go to another authority figure to solve a problem may be seen as disrespectful.
Question #9
Best answer is b. She is going through a process of building a personal relationship with you on which she can build a business relationship.
In many group oriented cultures, such as found in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, personal relationships need to be established before business relationships can be developed. In the United States and parts of Europe, almost the opposite is true (personal relationships result from business relationships).
Question #10
Best answer is d. You should not feel badly about the situation, it is normal for them to feel comfortable using the vernacular they all know and it is normal for you to feel excluded because you do not understand them.
It is natural when you do not understand what is said to assume that you are the subject of conversation or are being deliberately rejected by the group. This feeling may be compounded when working with people from a different cultural background who share common cultural cues and experiences.
Note: It is not our intention to generalize or stereotype any cultural group mentioned in the quiz scenarios. We recognize that individuals and situations vary greatly within and across cultures, particularly in the diverse environment of the United States.
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