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amity solved assignment MBA international cross culture and diversity management

 

International Cross Culture & Diversity Management

Part-A

S. No.

Questions

Marks - 10


1 .

Read the following scenarios and see if you can identify the problem in each. George Tailor works as a supervisor for an engineering company in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In the UK he had a reputation for speaking his mind and by doing so getting the best out of his staff. At the current project in Riyadh he supervises 12 British staff and nearly 50 Saudi staff. After a few months George has become increasingly frustrated by what he sees a less than effective Saudi team. Their lack of competence and slow work pace is worrying George. What should he do to try and bring the Saudi staff back into line?

 

2 .

Jenny Rains had been assigned to the Paris office of his company. As a graduate in French and someone with a lot of admiration for all things French she was very excited. Upon arriving at the new office Jenny was looking forward to meeting all his new colleagues and getting to know them. While waiting for a meeting to begin she decided to initiate some conversation with another member of staff present, Mr Le Blanc. She introduced herself as Madame Rains and went on to enquire as to whether Mr Le Blanc was married and had children. Monsieur Le Blanc seemed distant and unapproachable. Why?

 

3 .

Jonathan Manning has been chosen to set up a branch of his engineering consulting firm in Seoul, South Korea. Although the six engineering consultants that would eventually be transferred there were British, Jonathan is interested in hiring locals as support staff. He is particularly keen to hire an accountant. He is offering a great salary with excellent working conditions. He gets some names put forward through contacts he has in Seoul. After meeting with them he is surprised to find all of them turn down his offer. All preferred to stay with their current employers. Why?

 

4 .

A U.S. golfing equipment manufacturer decided to explore the possibility of entering the Japanese market. They have arranged a meeting with a major Japanese firm to discuss a joint venture. Three representatives of each firm meet up in San Francisco. Following the initial introductions the men sat down at opposite sides of the table. After offering their Japanese guests a drink the U.S. representatives proceeded to take off their jackets and roll up their sleeves as a sign of 'lets get down to business'. The meeting was unsuccessful and the joint venture never took place. What cultural faux pas did the Americans make?

 

5 .

Nick Mills had worked hard to become the top sales representative of the IT company he worked for. When the company received an invitation from an Argentinean firm to make a marketing presentation for them, Nick was chosen to go to Buenos Aires. Nick had set up an appointment to make his presentation the afternoon he arrived. Upon arrival he was met by the host firm who told him the presentation was postponed for two days to give Nick a chance to rest and see the sites. Nick insisted he was fit and ready for the presentation and pressed to have it that afternoon. Eventually it was put back to the original slot but Nick noticed that none of the executives at the meeting seemed interested. At the end of the meeting the Vice President suggested they all meet again in two days. Why did Nick get this reaction?

 

 

Part –B

 

Guns 'n Things, Unlimited (GUNTU) Kenny Katchem has been selling guns and accessories for years at his eighteen local retail operations in Baltimore. Business is always good during hunting season, and for the ten months afterwards when the woods become quiet again. Phil M. Upp, the personnel manager, is responsible for staffing the managers and clerks in all of the stores. Once every month on Sunday, all of the company workers get together at their hangout, the Krazy Klubhaus, located in Charles Village. Here they celebrate and fire their weapons. Since the club is in a sound-proof basement, well insulated and out of harm's way, they have never had complaints about the noise from the neighbors or had to deal with intruders like the police. All of them have permits for their weapons and know how to handle firearms. This is a job requirement since they often have to protect themselves from intruders who are not serious customers, but who seem to expect to be given guns even when they already have some of their own. "Ditty" Doit, the sales VP, has been having trouble with many of the retail managers who don't seem to be showing up for the celebration (i.e. sales meeting). The sales in these stores seem to be down, and the managers don't appear to be concerned about the reduction in sales volume. Both Ditty and Phil know that motivating workers is the leader's primary responsibility. Therefore, they have asked you, a high-priced personnel consultant, to help solve what they think is a leadership problem. Should they develop teams, supervise them individually, or just leave them alone? What's happening now it isn't working. They tell you that the personnel in these stores are usually strong willed, like to do things their own way, and sometimes can get pretty insistent about it. A couple have even suggested they may revolt and take over the Krazy Klubhaus to start a new club of their own. Upp and Doit want you to find the magic bullet that will restore the workers' commitment to Guns n' Things and bring revenues back to what they were like in the good 'ole days. Therefore, he has contracted you at $2000 a day, to develop a leadership development plan for training store managers or finding new ones if need be, who can successfully lead the company into the next century. As part of the contract, they have offered to provide you with sufficient firepower to get the job done.

1.

How will you develop your leadership attributes to train managers or hire new ones.

 

2.

Use sound reasoning to justify why your leadership plan will work for this company.

 

3. Why do you think Comparative Management is important in today’s International scenario? How do you think that organizations go for it ?

 

Part –C

Question No.  1

Marks - 10


In Spain, the main purpose of a business meeting would be to:

 

 

Options

 
   

Make decisions by discussing in the length the pro's and con's of an issue

 

Reach agreements by consensus

 

Brief the team on a decisions already taken

 

To point out the mistakes of others

 

 

Question No.  2

Marks - 10


During a break for a meeting between you and a group of Saudis, you walk into the men's room to find a few of them washing their feet in the sink. You think:

 

 

Options

 
   

They must have had smelly feet

 

They are simply freshening themselves up

 

Are preparing to read their prayers

 

They are in habit of keeping their feet clean

 

 

 

You are beginning negotiations with a Chinese company. From the start of the meeting the Chinese team show great humility and deference. You should think:

 

 

Options

 
   

Such behaviour is a ploy designed to gain concessions

 

Such behaviour is just the way Chinese people are

 

Such behaviour shows these negotiations will be easy

 

They like to criticize people

 

 

 

A potential Mexican client arrives 45 minutes late for a business meeting. He/she:

 

 

Options

 
   

Has arrived late on purpose to show that they are the party in the driving seat

 

Has simply arrived late as punctuality is taken lightly in Mexico

 

Has arrived late to let you enjoy your surroundings before discussing business

 

They enjoy making people wait for them

 

 

Question No.  5

Marks - 10


While in South Korea, you present a gift to a new client to thank him for his hospitality and to cement your business relationship. He/she refuses to accept the gift. You should:

 

 

Options

 
   

Apologise for offending him/her

 

Insist he/she takes it until it is accepted

 

Offer it to someone else from his/her company

 

Wait for the right time to offer the gift

 

 

Question No.  6

Marks - 10


Your German colleague says about a proposal you have put together, "no offense, but this idea is ridiculous". He/she :

 

 

Options

 
   

is merely expressing their opinion and means no harm

 

is being blunt and has no etiquette

 

is being rude to undermine your position

 

Trying to show off themselves

 

 

 

Question No.  7

Marks - 10


You are asking a question of a junior Japanese colleague and he/she looks down and answers you. He/she :

 

 

Options

 
   

Has something to hide and is looking for answer to cover their back

 

Is paying your respect

 

Is ashamed

 

Is least interested in what you are saying

 

 

 

Question No.  8

Marks - 10


You are the new manager in an Indian office. You ask one of your supervisors to move a desk and place it in another corner of the office. The next day you notice it has not yet been done. Why?

 

 

Options

 
   

The supervisor was offended you asked him/her and refused to do anything about it

 

The supervisor could not find a labourer to move it and would not do so him/herself

 

Because things get done slowly in India

 

There was no desk in the office

 

 

 

Question No.  9

Marks - 10


You are making a proposal to a group of Japanese executives when you notice a few of them sat with their arms folded and eyes closed. They are:

 

 

Options

 
   

Listening intently

 

Tired and catching up on some sleep

 

Pretending to be asleep to show you that they think your presentation is poor

 

They are not interested in your proposal

 

 

 

Question No.  10

Marks - 10


There are three of you interviewing an Afghani man for a position in your company. Of the interviewers, two of you are women. The interviewee only ever gives eye contact to the man and never to the women. This is because:

 

 

Options

 
   

He is nervous around women

 

He is showing respect

 

He sees women as second class citizens

 

They are not beautiful

 

 

Question No.  11

Marks - 10


When meeting with the French in a business environment, which of these is best to avoid?

 

 

Options

 
   

Personal questions

 

Eye contact

 

A formal demeanor

 

Humor

 

 

Question No.  12

Marks - 10


In Hong Kong, you and your counterpart share a cup of tea. During the negotiations you notice that he keeps moving his cup either closer to you or further away. Why?

 

 

Options

 
   

This is a method used in feng shui to gage positive energy.

 

This represents how far away/close you are to agreement

 

This indicates nervousness and should be capitalized upon

 

He is nervous

 

 

Question No.  13

Marks - 10


During intense negotiations the Russian negotiation team keep pressing you on a particular point you absolutely cannot budge on. You have politely indicated your position to no avail. They are insistent. Which of these options would be most advisable?

 

 

Options

 
   

Keep politely insisting you are unable to offer any leighway. The Russians will eventually understand.

 

Drag your negotiation team out of the room dramatically. The Russians will then appreciate concessions on this point are unlikely.

 

Concede slightly. The Russians will then feel they have gained some sort of concession and move on.

 

None of the above

 

 

Question No.  14

Marks - 10


During negotiations in Italy two of the Italian negotiation team keep taking phone calls. Why?

 

 

Options

 
   

This is a sure sign they have little interest in your proposal.

 

This is a well know tactic to make foreigners feel uncomfortable and expose weaknesses.

 

They are probably taking calls from superiors; to not answer would be rude.

 

This is usual for them

 

 

Question No.  15

Marks - 10


At the end of a successul negotiation meeting with a Pakistani firm, the owner suggests you all end the day with an alcoholic drink. What should you do?

 

 

Options

 
   

Under no circumstances take up the offer.

 

All Muslims do not drink alcohol and this is a test of your character

 

Accept the offer and enjoy the evening.

 

None of the above

 

 

Question No.  16

Marks - 10


Upon being met at the office of a potential Indonesian client you are met with very personal questions about your job, education and salary. Why?

 

 

Options

 
   

These questions are just part of the getting to know you process.

 

These questions are meant to establish your rank.

 

"These questions are thought to be of importance in your own country, so are being asked out of politeness."

 

You want to relationship with the person

 

 

Question No.  17

Marks - 10


During negotiations in Japan you try to confirm a point by asking, Do you not want this added to the agreement.? You are answered with a 'yes', so you keep it within the agreement. At a later date you find the Japanese are upset that this was added to the agreement. Why?

 

 

Options

 
   

"The Japanese answer positively to negative questions, so they actually meant 'no'."

 

"Yes' can sometimes mean 'maybe'. In this case the Japanese team wanted to think about it so answered 'yes' meaning, 'let us think about it and check with us at the next meeting'."

 

"The Japanese assumed you knew they did not want it to form part of the agreement, and answered 'yes', meaning 'yes you are right in thinking we do not want it within the agreement'."

 

Their behavior is unpredictable

 

 

Question No.  18

Marks - 10


At the end of your negotiations with a Chinese firm, the negotiation team suddenly demands you drop your prices or they may have to pull out of any agreement. What should you do?

 

 

Options

 
   

Stand firm. They are merely trying to test your resolve and gain some last minute concessions.

 

Ask for time to speak to your superiors.

 

Agree. The Chinese would not do so unless there is a good reason due to the need to save 'face'

 

Wait for them to take the action

 

 

Question No.  19

Marks - 10


Which of these statements is true?

 

 

Options

 
   

German decision making can be very slow.

 

Germans take a casual approach to punctuality.

 

Germans expect humour in a business context.

 

Germans are very open to accept others opinion

 

 

 

Question No.  20

Marks - 10


Your company has been negotiating with a company in Argentina for 3 months. The next round of negotiations is set to be the final meeting, with all sides aiming for an agreement. The negotiator that had been dealing with Argentina is taken ill and cannot travel. A replacement is briefed and sent to clinch the deal. He returns empty handed. Why?

 

 

Options

 
   

The Argentine company were simply offended because they assumed your company was not taking the corporate relationship seriously by sending in a new negotiator.

 

In Argetina personal relationships are valued more than corporate ones. The negotiations failed because the new negotiator was unknown.

 

"In Argentina, the belief is that if illness gets in the way of business it is a bad omen."

 

Nothing can be said

 

 

Question No.  21

Marks - 10


Criticism of staff in Argentina should always be carried out..

 

 

Options

 
   

In private to avoid loss of face

 

In front of others to display your authority

 

Outside the office in a social situation

 

Only at the time of mistake and never again

 

 

Question No.  22

Marks - 10


Which is more important in Argentina?

 

 

Options

 
   

Truth

 

Politeness

 

Leadership

 

Position

 

 

 

Question No.  23

Marks - 10


Who are the decision makers in most Indian businesses with relation to negotiations?

 

 

Options

 
   

The manager dealing with you

 

The head of the family

 

The negotiation team

 

Any family member

 

 

Question No.  24

Marks - 10


If interviewing Indian candidates for a job, which of these is not advisable?

 

 

Options

 
   

Asking them about their family life

 

Asking them about their education

 

Asking them about their career aspirations

 

Asking them about their religion and caste

 

 

Question No.  25

Marks - 10


When meeting an Indian business woman for the first time you should...?

 

 

Options

 
   

Refrain from smiling and look to the ground out of respect

 

Greet her with the 'namaste'

 

Wait to see how she greets you and reciprocate accordingly

 

Avoid her till she take she initiatives

 

 

Question No.  26

Marks - 10


When giving instructions to Indian staff in your office it is recommended that you..

 

 

Options

 
   

Write them down and distribute them

 

Call a casual group meeting

 

Approach people individually

 

Can tell them on phone

 

 

 

Question No.  27

Marks - 10


Which of these best describes Indian society?

 

 

Options

 
   

Meritocratic

 

Hierarchical

 

Egalitarian

 

Nothing can be said

 

 

Question No.  28

Marks - 10


While delegating tasks to an Indian colleague your questions are all responded to with a 'yes'. This means...

 

 

Options

 
   

He/She is being respectful

 

He/She understands fully

 

He/She will do exactly as you ask

 

Its difficult to understand their response as they are very diplomatic

 

 

Question No.  29

Marks - 10


A person's status is determined by...

 

 

Options

 
   

"Personal contacts, number of children and size of house"

 

"Job title, salary and knowledge of languages"

 

"Family background, caste, age and job title"

 

“ His performance in the organization

 

 

 

Question No.  30

Marks - 10


Tough, non-compromising negotiators are the most respected?

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

 

Question No.  31

Marks - 10


Japanese often send money to bereaved friends as an expression of sympathy

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

 

Question No.  32

Marks - 10


Armenians and Georgians belong to the same language family

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

Question No.  33

Marks - 10


Shaking hands with women is acceptable in Indonesia

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

Question No.  34

Marks - 10


Number 4 is considered lucky in Japan

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

 

Question No.  35

Marks - 10


Eating with left hand is taboo in Saudi Arabia

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

Question No.  36

Marks - 10


Brazilians usually wear black shoes in the offices

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

 

Question No.  37

Marks - 10


Japanese and Chinese can read each other`s newspapers

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

Question No.  38

Marks - 10


White flowers in Japan are given at funerals

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 

 

 

Question No.  39

Marks - 10

 


 

Mexicans are supposed to keep their hands on the table during a meal

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

   

 

True

 

 

False

 

 

Question No.  40

Marks - 10


In Britain you tip your plate away from you when eating soup

 

 

Options

 
   

True

 

False

 
         

 

 

 

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University:  AMITY Year:  2015
Subject: 
international cross culture and diversity management
Course: 
MBA