Cross Cultural Awareness: Quiz!

In a short term oriented culture, there is a focus on immediate results and outcomes. People in this culture tend to prioritize short-term goals and are driven by instant gratification. They may have a sense of urgency and expect quick results from themselves and others. This cultural orientation values efficiency, quick decision-making, and immediate rewards. Therefore, it is likely that quick results are often expected from people in a short term oriented culture.

An individualistic culture is characterized by a focus on personal goals, individual achievement, and independence. In such a culture, individuals prioritize their own needs and desires above those of the group. This is reflected in the emphasis on individual rights, freedom, and self-expression. In contrast, a collectivistic culture places greater importance on group harmony, cooperation, and interdependence. Masculine culture, on the other hand, refers to a culture that values assertiveness, competition, and achievement. Therefore, the correct answer is individualistic culture, as it best fits the description of a culture that encourages an individual's identity to revolve around "I" instead of "We".

In a masculine culture, communication style that is direct, concise, and unemotional is valued and considered effective. Masculine cultures tend to prioritize assertiveness, independence, and task-oriented behavior. Therefore, a communication style that is direct and to the point, without unnecessary emotional expressions, is more likely to be well-received and understood in such cultures. On the other hand, in feminine cultures, communication tends to be more indirect, empathetic, and relationship-oriented. Long-term orientation is not directly related to communication style, so it does not affect the effectiveness of direct and unemotional communication.

In a high power distance culture, there is a significant power gap between superiors and subordinates. Subordinates are expected to follow orders without questioning authority and take responsibility for any failures or mistakes. This culture promotes a hierarchical structure where blame is placed on those lower in the hierarchy rather than on the leaders or the system itself. Therefore, in a culture where subordinates are expected to take the blame for things going wrong, it indicates a high power distance culture.

The given answer is high uncertainty avoidance index. This is because a culture that avoids risks and finds it difficult to introduce new ideas is likely to have a high uncertainty avoidance index. This means that the culture prefers stability, predictability, and clear rules to minimize uncertainty and ambiguity. They may be resistant to change and prefer established practices and traditions.

Masculine culture considers it acceptable to settle conflicts through aggressive means. This culture places a high value on assertiveness, competition, and the pursuit of success. In such cultures, individuals are often encouraged to be dominant, tough, and decisive, which can lead to the acceptance of aggressive behavior as a means to resolve conflicts. This contrasts with other cultures that may prioritize harmony, cooperation, and compromise in conflict resolution.

In a high power distance culture, there is a significant power gap between superiors and subordinates. Subordinates are not given important work and are expected to seek clear guidance from above because there is a strong emphasis on hierarchy and authority. This culture values obedience and respect for authority, leading to a lack of autonomy and decision-making power for subordinates.

In a culture with high uncertainty avoidance, there is a strong preference for stability, structure, and clear guidelines. In business situations, this means that proposals and presentations are likely to be examined in fine detail to minimize any potential risks or uncertainties. This culture values thorough analysis and careful consideration of all aspects before making decisions.

A highly masculine culture is characterized by a focus on achievement, assertiveness, and competitiveness. In such a culture, failure is considered unacceptable and there is an emphasis on working long hours and prioritizing work over personal life. This culture encourages and accepts a "live to work" attitude, where individuals are expected to dedicate themselves fully to their work.

In a low power distance culture, there is a smaller gap between superiors and subordinates, and employees are more likely to expect the opportunity to work on projects or solve issues independently. Being too intrusive into their work may be seen as a negative behavior in such a culture. This suggests that in a low power distance culture, employees value autonomy and independence in their work.