mgt 4380 ch. 4

64) Which of the following is a characteristic of the Japanese ningensei style? A) reciprocity B) explicitness C) verbal agility D) immediate feedback

A) reciprocity

103) Which of the following characteristics is shared by both openness in communication and resilience in communication? A) tolerance for ambiguity B) extrovertedness C) resourcefulness D) internal locus of control

A) tolerance for ambiguity

41) ________ refers to how something is said rather than the content—i.e., the rate of speech, the tone and inflection of voice, other noises, laughing, or yawning. A) Proxemics B) Paralanguage C) Object language D) Kinesic behavior

B) Paralanguage

29) ________ is one of the elements of nonverbal communication. A) Ethnicity B) Gender C) Kinesic behavior D) Language

C) Kinesic behavior

102) ________ and ________ are personality traits categorized as openness. A) Persistence; resourcefulness B) Proper orientation to knowledge; internal locus of control C) Tolerance for ambiguity; extrovertedness D) Empathy; external locus of control

C) Tolerance for ambiguity; extrovertedness

42) Which of the following is an element of paralanguage? A) hand gesture B) body posture C) yawning D) personal touch

C) yawning

32) Subtle differences in eye behavior are known as ________. A) proxemics B) tics C) stereotypes D) oculesics

D) oculesics

86) What are some ways that Japanese and American styles of communication differ?

Japanese tend to be indirect, and Americans are direct. Japanese focus on relationship communication, while Americans focus on task communication. Confrontational strategies are more acceptable in the United States but discouraged in Japan. Americans want immediate feedback, while Japanese delay feedback. Japanese are patient, longer-term negotiators, and Americans are shorter-term negotiators.

107) Explain the concepts of openness and resilience as they relate to intercultural communication.

Openness includes traits such as open-mindedness, tolerance for ambiguity, and extrovertedness, all of which facilitate intercultural communication and help the individual adjust to the cross-cultural experience. Resilience is an attribute that helps one achieve cultural adaptation in a cross-cultural context. It includes traits such as having an internal locus of control, persistence, a tolerance for ambiguity, and resourcefulness.

80) List the cultural variables in the communication process and explain the different types of nonverbal communication.

The cultural variables in the communication process are: attitudes, social organization, thought patterns, roles, language, nonverbal communication, and time. Nonverbal communication can be categorized into four types: 1. Kinesic behavior: The term kinesic behavior refers to communication through body movements—posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. 2. Proxemics: Proxemics deals with the influence of proximity and space on communication—both personal space and office space or layout. 3. Paralanguage: The term paralanguage refers to how something is said rather than the content—i.e., the rate of speech, the tone and inflection of voice, other noises, laughing, or yawning. 4. Object language: The term object language, or material culture, refers to how we communicate through material artifacts, whether architecture, office design and furniture, clothing, cars, or cosmetics.

83) What is object language? Provide an example of how object language might affect business communication.

The term object language, or material culture, refers to how we communicate through material artifacts, whether architecture, office design and furniture, clothing, cars, or cosmetics. Material culture communicates what people hold as important. The importance of family to people in Spain and much of Latin America would be conveyed by family photographs around the office, so there is an expectation that the visitor would enquire about the family.

34) During a business meeting in the United States, a relaxed posture is acceptable, but in Europe or Asia such body language would most likely be interpreted as ________.

B) rudeness

38) Which of the following is an example of proxemics? A) using facial expressions B) standing close to others C) speaking quickly D) using a translator

B) standing close to others

63) The Japanese preference for humanity, reciprocity, and analytic logic is known as ________. A) kieretsu B) ringi-sho C) ningensei D) allogato

C) ningensei

20) When a member of one culture imposes his or her cultural practices on a member of another culture, cross cultural communication takes place.

true

65) Stereotyping occurs when a person assumes that every member of a society or subculture has the same characteristics or traits.

true

66) Language is a frequent cause of miscommunication, stemming from a person's inability to speak the local language, a poor or too-literal translation, a speaker's failure to explain idioms, or a person missing the meaning conveyed through body language or certain symbols.

true

67) The term kinesic behavior refers to communication through body movements—posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact.

true

68) Kinesics and proxemics are elements of nonverbal communication.

true

72) The term paralanguage refers to how something is said rather than the content—i.e., the rate of speech, the tone and inflection of voice, other noises, laughing, or yawning.

true

74) In monochronic cultures, time is experienced in a linear way, with a past, a present, and a future, and time is treated as something to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted.

true

78) In high-context cultures, feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed.

true

79) The Japanese ningensei style of communication refers to the preference for humanity, reciprocity, a receiver orientation, and an underlying distrust of words and analytic logic.

true

17) The term communication is the process of gathering messages through the Internet and printed media.

false

21) Attribution is the process by which people send messages to each other across various cultures.

false

69) Kinesics deals with the influence of space on communication—both personal space and office space or layout.

false

70) In high-contact cultures, people prefer much less sensory involvement, standing farther apart and touching far less.

false

71) In low-contact cultures, people prefer to stand close, touch a great deal, and experience a "close" sensory involvement.

false

73) The term object language, or material culture, refers to the value of the material artifacts given to the parties involved in order to show our goodwill.

false

75) In polychronic cultures, people focus on one thing at a time and adhere to time commitments.

false

76) In high-context cultures, feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed; instead, one has to read between the lines and interpret meaning from one's general understanding.

false

77) In low-context cultures, key information is embedded in the context rather than made explicit.

false

18) Anything that serves to undermine the communication of the intended meaning is typically referred to as noise.

true

19) Cultural noise is the cultural variables that undermine the communication of intended meaning.

true

85) How does the flow of information differ within organizations based in high-context cultures and low-context cultures?

: Context affects information flow. In high-context cultures, information spreads rapidly and freely because of the constant close contact and the implicit ties among people and organizations. Information flow is often informal. In low-context cultures, information is controlled and focused, and thus it does not flow so freely. Compartmentalized roles and office layouts stifle information channels; information sources tend to be more formal.

84) What is the difference between high-context and low-context cultures? In which type of culture would you prefer to work? Why?

: In high-context cultures, the context in which the communication takes place is vital to the communication of the message—the message is implicit. In these cultures, most communication takes place within a context of extensive information networks resulting from close personal relationships. In low-context cultures, where personal and business relationships are more compartmentalized, communication media need to be more explicit. Feelings and thoughts are expressed in words, and information is more readily available.

104) What can American managers conducting business abroad do to counteract the view that Americans are culturally insensitive?

: One not-for-profit group, called Business for Diplomatic Action, has the following advice for Americans when doing business abroad, in its attempts to counteract the stereotypical American traits such as boastfulness, loudness, and speed. Familiarize yourself with the local geography to avoid making insulting mistakes; dress up; avoid talking about wealth, power, or status; avoid using slang and speaking fast; listen as much as you talk; and refrain from discussing religion and politics.

82) What is the difference between monochronic and polychronic time systems? Why is it important for global managers to understand this difference?

: To initiate effective cross-cultural business interactions, managers should know the difference between monochronic time systems and polychronic time systems because they affect business communications significantly. In monochronic cultures, time is experienced in a linear way, with a past, a present, and a future, and time is treated as something to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted. Monochronic people generally concentrate on one thing at a time and adhere to time commitments. In contrast, polychronic cultures tolerate many things occurring simultaneously and emphasize involvement with people. Polychronic people focus on several things at once, are highly distractible, and change plans often.

9) ________ is the process in which people look for the explanation of another person's behavior. A) Attribution B) Dissonance C) Miscommunication D) Affirmation

A) Attribution

95) Jerry, representing a U.S firm, is sent to Saudi Arabia to negotiate his company's contracts. Which of the following should Jerry keep in mind when negotiating with the Arabs? A) Business should be conducted personally and not via telephone or email. B) Arabs value time, and deadlines are to be kept at all costs. C) Be explicit and express doubts wherever the subject's feasibility comes into question. D) Get to the point when presenting and negotiating.

A) Business should be conducted personally and not via telephone or email.

98) ________ is the process of translating the received symbols into the interpreted message. A) Decoding B) Transmitting C) Encoding D) Fragmenting

A) Decoding

53) Which of the following is the most accurate statement concerning the role of context in cross-cultural communication? A) In high-context cultures, the message is implicit; in low-context cultures, the message is explicit. B) In high-context cultures, there is a low sensory involvement; in low-context cultures, there is a high sensory involvement. C) In high-context cultures, many tasks are handled simultaneously; in low-context cultures, only one task is handled at a time. D) In high-context cultures, work time is flexible; in low-context cultures, work time is not flexible.

A) In high-context cultures, the message is implicit; in low-context cultures, the message is explicit.

56) Which of the following is true about high-context cultures? A) One has to "read between the lines" and interpret meaning from one's general understanding. B) Communication media is entirely explicit and information is readily available. C) People convey their thoughts and plans in a direct, straightforward communication style. D) People are talkative, obvious, and redundant.

A) One has to "read between the lines" and interpret meaning from one's general understanding.

15) Brenda is the head of a sports firm in Sweden. In order to communicate effectively with her workers, Brenda should ________. A) build friendly relationships and encourage two-way dialogues B) communicate information in a direct and explicit way C) communicate information with facts and figures D) exchange gifts with her employees frequently

A) build friendly relationships and encourage two-way dialogues

13) According to the GLOBE project, workers from countries that ranked low on performance orientation, e.g., Russia or Greece, ________. A) do not take hard facts and figures seriously B) prefer direct and explicit communication C) make avoiding conflict a priority D) do not encourage friendly relationships

A) do not take hard facts and figures seriously

54) In high-context cultures, ________. A) feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed B) information is readily shared C) people have high sensory involvement D) nonverbal communication is not important

A) feelings and thoughts are not explicitly expressed

94) Larry is a top-level manager at Smart-Tech, an American semiconductor firm. Larry is involved in the negotiation procedures between Smart-Tech and a Saudi Arabian financial group. Larry arrives in Saudi Arabia hoping to quickly conclude the business deal. However, to his surprise the Arabs show no great interest in coming to a decision, despite several rounds of discussion. This type of behavior from the Saudi Arabian financial group is most likely attributed towards its ________. A) high-context culture B) monotheistic culture C) monochronic culture D) low-contact culture

A) high-context culture

27) Understanding foreign languages is especially important for international managers because of ________. A) increased diversity in the global workforce B) reduced incidence of outsourcing C) dominance of English in business communication D) decline in the status of the United States as a superpower

A) increased diversity in the global workforce

30) Posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact are examples of ________. A) kinesic behavior B) proxemics C) paralanguage D) object language

A) kinesic behavior

49) Classified and compartmentalized, time serves to order life in a ________. A) monochronic culture B) low-contact culture C) high-contact culture D) polychronic culture

A) monochronic culture

5) Anything that serves to undermine the communication of the intended meaning is known as ________. A) noise B) encoded message C) decoded message D) feedback

A) noise

45) The manner in which people communicate through material artifacts such as architecture, office design, and cars is known as ________. A) object language B) oculesics C) paralanguage D) proxemics

A) object language

33) The tendency of Americans to look people in the eye contrasts with the tendency of the British to keep looking away while conversing. Such differences are categorized as ________. A) oculesics B) proxemics C) paralanguage D) object language

A) oculesics

43) Changing the meaning of words by changing the inflection of your voice is an example of ________. A) paralanguage B) object language C) proxemics D) oculesics

A) paralanguage

51) In ________ cultures, people tolerate many things occurring simultaneously and change plans frequently. A) polychronic B) low-contact C) material D) haptic

A) polychronic

52) Which of the following is a characteristic of a person from a polychronic culture? A) focuses only on one thing at a time B) changes plans frequently C) adheres to time commitments D) is accustomed to short-term relationships

B) changes plans frequently

90) What are some of the differences between Japanese and American communication styles? What can American managers do to improve business communications with Japanese managers?

Americans are more open and talk freely about almost anything, whereas Japanese will disclose little about their inner thoughts or private issues. Americans are willing to have a wide "public self," disclosing their inner reactions verbally and physically. In contrast, the Japanese prefer to keep their responses largely to their "private self." The Japanese share only a small portion of their thoughts. Cultural clashes between the public and private selves in intercultural communication between Americans and Japanese result when each party forces its cultural norms of communication on the other. In the American style, the American's cultural norms of explicit communication impose on the Japanese by invading the person's private self. The Japanese style of implicit communication causes a negative reaction from the American because of what is perceived as too much formality and ambiguity, which wastes time. The Japanese believe that true intentions are not readily revealed in words or contracts but are, in fact, masked by them. In contrast to the typical American's verbal agility and explicitness, Japanese behaviors and communications are directed to defend and give face for everyone concerned; to do so, they avoid public disagreements at all costs. American managers benefit from scheduling more time for transactions, developing patience, and learning to get at needed information in more subtle ways—after building rapport and taking time to observe the local system for exchanging information.

1) ________ describes the process of sharing meaning by transmitting messages through media such as words, behavior, or material artifacts. A) Ethics B) Communication C) Planning D) Strategy

B) Communication

46) Which of the following is true about monochronic and polychronic cultures? A) Monochronic cultures experience time in a linear way; polychronic cultures view time as having a past, present, and future. B) Monochronic cultures treat time as a tool for bringing order to life; polychronic cultures tolerate many events occurring simultaneously. C) Monochronic cultures experience time in a nonlinear way; polychronic cultures focus on only one single event at a time. D) Monochronic cultures tolerate many events occurring simultaneously; polychronic cultures treat time as a tool for bringing order to life.

B) Monochronic cultures treat time as a tool for bringing order to life; polychronic cultures tolerate many events occurring simultaneously.

10) According to Hall and Hall, when people experience a failure in communication, they tend to blame the confusion on the other person's stupidity, deceit, or craziness. This process of trying to explain the other person's behavior is known as ________. A) cultural noise B) attribution C) stereotyping D) kinesic behavior

B) attribution

8) Intercultural communication most likely occurs when ________. A) messages are transmitted between members of the same culture B) a member of one culture sends a message to a member of another culture C) people from one culture migrate to another region D) the communication process between two cultures is hindered

B) a member of one culture sends a message to a member of another culture

14) According to the GLOBE project, a coworker or subordinate from Sweden, a country ranking low on assertiveness, would most likely prefer ________. A) explicitness in communication B) a two-way dialogue C) a gift exchange before talking business D) a direct approach along with facts and figures

B) a two-way dialogue

47) Which of the following is a characteristic of a person in a monochronic culture? A) considers time to be flexible B) adheres to plan commitments C) focuses on multiple tasks at a time D) is accustomed to long-term relationships

B) adheres to plan commitments

23) Which of the following terms is used to refer to the positive or negative evaluations, feelings, and tendencies that individuals harbor toward objects or concepts and effects the communication process?

B) attitudes

59) The executives from Carlo Foods, United States, are in Japan to negotiate with Jeong, the head of a local investment firm. While Jeong listens to their plans, he realizes that there are considerable amounts of calculation errors in the market statistics involved in the plan. He starts showing signs of impatience and folds his hands, with a frown on his face. The executives realize that something is wrong and are confused about it. Jeong most likely belongs to a ________. A) low-contact culture B) high-context culture C) high power-distance culture D) polychronic culture

B) high-context culture

97) When encoding a message during cross-cultural communication, it is most effective for senders to ________.

B) make gestures

28) The term ________ refers to behavior that communicates without words. A) thought patterns B) nonverbal communication C) intrapersonal communication D) cultural noise

B) nonverbal communication

101) Recognizing that one's knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs are valid only for oneself and not for everyone else is known as ________. A) other-oriented role behavior B) orientation to knowledge C) tolerance for ambiguity D) interaction posture

B) orientation to knowledge

93) As manager with an international trade firm, John Smith frequently travels between Europe and Saudi Arabia. On John's most recent trip to Saudi Arabia, he noticed that Tariq, his business associate, not only talked about business matters but also talked about several other things, such as upcoming events in Saudi Arabia and the associated impact on the economy. This most likely indicates that Tariq is from a ________. A) low-contact culture B) polychronic culture C) low-context culture D) high power-distance culture

B) polychronic culture

26) Which of the following is one of the reasons that language frequently causes miscommunication during international business situations? A) frequent use of idioms with explanations B) translating a local language too literally C) speaking the local language with a native accent D) conveying information using appropriate body language or symbols

B) translating a local language too literally

96) Which of the following tips is most likely to lead to effective intercultural communication? A) Avoid being culturally sensitive over the Internet, as it might result in discrimination. B) It is always better to use long and descriptive sentences. C) Messages need to be encoded carefully. D) Communication processes should be made quicker by removing feedback systems.

C) Messages need to be encoded carefully.

48) Which of the following is a true statement about polychronic cultures? A) Time serves to order life into compartments. B) People in polychronic cultures focus on only one task at a time. C) Polychronic people focus on relationships rather than material systems. D) Polychronic people are highly driven to complete tasks by assigned deadlines.

C) Polychronic people focus on relationships rather than material systems.

92) Larry is a top-level manager at Smart-Tech, an American semiconductor firm. Larry is involved in the negotiation procedures between Smart-Tech and a Saudi Arabian financial group. Larry has recently arrived in Saudi Arabia for the purpose of negotiating the final terms of the contract. Which of the following statements undermines the argument that Larry should adhere to a strict agenda when negotiating with the Arabs? A) Both Saudi Arabia and the United States are low-contact cultures. B) Both Saudi Arabia and the United States are high-contact cultures. C) Saudi Arabia is a polychronic culture. D) Saudi Arabia is a monochronic culture

C) Saudi Arabia is a polychronic culture.

100) Interaction posture is best defined as the ________. A) tendency to contradict the beliefs of others B) understanding and modeling of local proxemics C) ability to respond to others in a nonjudgmental way D) capacity to be flexible to promote group communication

C) ability to respond to others in a nonjudgmental way

40) Which of the following would most likely occur in a low-contact culture? A) colleagues greeting each other by formal touch B) colleagues standing close to each other C) colleagues maintaining a respectful distance while greeting each other D) colleagues greeting each other by giving a peck on the cheek

C) colleagues maintaining a respectful distance while greeting each other

7) Which of the following terms refers to any cultural variables that undermine the communication of intended meaning? A) cultural ethics B) cultural empathy C) cultural noise D) cultural attribution

C) cultural noise

11) Trust improves cross-cultural communication by ________. A) making sure that all of the business transactions are based on arm's-length relationships B) replacing formal legal contracts for global firms C) encouraging the open exchange of ideas and information D) helping people plan for known circumstances

C) encouraging the open exchange of ideas and information

36) A ________ culture is characterized by people standing close together and touching a great deal. A) low-contact B) monochronic C) high-contact D) polychronic

C) high-contact

55) In ________ cultures, people expect others to understand unarticulated moods, subtle gestures, and environmental clues. A) high-contact B) low-contact C) high-context D) monochronic

C) high-context

57) In ________ cultures, communication occurs within an extensive network of close personal and business relationships. A) high-contact B) monochronic C) high-context D) low-contact

C) high-context

61) Al Razim, a construction engineer, recently traveled to Germany in order to find investors for his real-estate project. While he finally succeeded in getting an investor, he was surprised by the explicitness of the Germans. Sometimes all he got was a direct "No." This is because Germans are a ________ culture. A) polychronic B) high-context C) low-context D) high-contact

C) low-context

4) Phil sent an email requesting Mel to join him in the conference room at 2 P.M. and to bring the final report on the building's floor plans. However, Mel's personal secretary skips reading the entire email and just informs Mel to join Phil in the conference room at 2 P.M. This is an example of ________. A) ambiguity B) divergence C) noise D) feedback

C) noise

44) The considerable variation between Americans and Chinese in the use of silence during meetings is an aspect of ________. A) proxemics B) haptics C) paralanguage D) object language

C) paralanguage

99) What is the best method for avoiding miscommunication? A) taking detailed notes of the messages B) learning foreign phrases and idioms C) practicing projective listening D) relying on technology to interpret meanings

C) practicing projective listening

16) Tom manages a U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary located in Ireland. In order to communicate effectively with Irish employees and improve their productivity, Tom should ________. A) emphasize achieving objective end results B) challenge the employees to perform better C) provide positive support to employees D) address conflicts during group meetings

C) provide positive support to employees

12) Which of the following will help an international business manager cultivate trust in cross-cultural communications? A) staying away from conflicts that need to be addressed B) making communications as formal as possible and refraining from open communications C) socializing when possible and making friendly contacts with persons involved D) establishing trust and achieving hidden agenda without being conspicuous

C) socializing when possible and making friendly contacts with persons involved

24) The Topangins are a minority group in the Canary Island, with a set of preferences, attitudes, and taboos, distinct from that of the national culture. Therefore, they are often overlooked when foreign businesses choose to customize their products for the inhabitants of the islands. The Toro-Hessian community is an example of ________. A) cultural universal B) monoculture C) subculture D) stratification

C) subculture

91) How do cultural differences affect the way firms conduct e-commerce?

Companies are learning that they have to adapt their e-commerce and their enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications to regional idiosyncrasies beyond translation or content management issues; even asking for a name or an e-mail address can incur resistance in many countries where people do not like to give out personal information. Internet transactions must be regionalized and personalized to adjust to differences in language, culture, local laws, and business models, as well as differences in the level of development in the local telecommunications infrastructure.

22) What cultural variables create noise in cross-cultural communication? Use the steps in the communication process to explain methods of controlling cultural noise.

Cultural variables can affect the communication process by influencing a person's perceptions. These variables include attitudes, social organization, thought patterns, roles, language (spoken or written), nonverbal communication (including kinesic behavior, proxemics, paralanguage, and object language), and time. Noise can occur at any stage of the communication process: message encoding, the medium, decoding, or feedback. Noise can be reduced at encoding by being sensitive to the cultural differences of the receiver and incorporating knowledge of their culture into the message-this includes minimizing the use of idioms or regional expressions that are difficult to translate. Noise can be reduced by selecting the correct medium for the message. Most important messages should be delivered face to face whenever possible to facilitate the important nonverbal communication process. Decoding requires the receiver to consider the sender's culture as well as his or her own culture in translating the message. Finally, feedback is critical to assure the communication sent was the one received. However, the same noise that enters the original communication process can also influence the feedback.

87) In a brief essay, discuss some of the cultural variables that create noise in the communication process between Americans and Arabs.

Cultural variables that can influence a person's perceptions have been identified through research. The cultural variables are: attitudes, social organization, thought patterns, roles, language (spoken or written), nonverbal communication (including kinesic behavior, paralanguage, proxemics, and object language), and time. Saudi Arabia is a high-contact culture, where people prefer to stand close, touch a great deal, and experience a "close" sensory involvement. On the other hand, North America is a low-contact culture where people have less sensory involvement, stand farther apart, and touch far less. In addition, in monochronic cultures like the U.S., time is experienced in a linear way, with a past, a present, and a future, and time is treated as something to be spent, saved, made up, or wasted. Classified and compartmentalized, time serves to order life. Polychronic people-Latin Americans, Arabs, and those from other collectivist cultures-may focus on several things at once, be highly distractible, and change plans often.

58) Which of the following is most likely a characteristic of low-context cultures? A) Work and social relationships are inseparable. B) Individuals base meaning on subtle gestures. C) Individuals must read between the lines. D) Feelings and thoughts are expressed in words.

D) Feelings and thoughts are expressed in words.

31) Which of the following is a true statement regarding kinesic behavior? A) Facial expressions have the same meaning across cultures. B) Minor variations in body language are insignificant. C) Hand gestures are universally interpreted. D) The meaning of body movements varies by culture.

D) The meaning of body movements varies by culture.

62) Which of the following is most likely a characteristic of communication channels in low-context cultures? A) rapid spread of information B) informal flow of information C) upward flow of information D) controlled flow of information

D) controlled flow of information

37) Which of the following will a person working in a high-contact culture most likely experience? A) coworkers spending time together socially B) managers using hand motions to express emotion C) managers bowing to their seniors as a token of respect D) coworkers putting an arm over their colleague's back

D) coworkers putting an arm over their colleague's back

3) Which of the following does NOT constitute a normal interpersonal communication task for managers? A) coordinating activities B) disseminating information C) motivating employees D) giving speeches at conferences

D) giving speeches at conferences

2) Communication to managers is of vital importance because it ________. A) demonstrates the manager's depth of knowledge B) immediately results in an increase of revenue C) indicates technological advancement D) greatly helps in negotiating future plans

D) greatly helps in negotiating future plans

60) The international business manager of Toro Automobiles, based in London, is currently in Indonesia negotiating with potential partners to set up a manufacturing plant. He is intrigued and startled by the lack of apprehension shown by every person he has met in standing close to him when greeting him. This is because the persons or the groups involved in the meeting are a part of a ________. A) low-context culture B) polychronic culture C) high-context culture D) high-contact culture

D) high-contact culture

39) Josh, a tourist from the United States, goes on a five-day trip to Japan. Apart from learning their rich history and heritage, he notices that people do not shake hands, but bow to each other. He is most likely to conclude that the Japanese have a ________. A) low-context culture B) monotheistic culture C) polychronic culture D) low-contact culture

D) low-contact culture

50) Carlos has an appointment with Higuain in a half hour at his office. However, Carlos decides to take care of some personal errands on his way to the office and informs Higuain. Carlos does not make it on time for the appointment. Higuain most likely concludes that Carlos is from a ________. A) high-context culture B) low-context culture C) monochronic culture D) polychronic culture

D) polychronic culture

35) Which of the following terms refers to the influence of closeness and space on communication? A) oculesics B) kinesics C) aesthetics D) proxemics

D) proxemics

25) In an interview, a British journalist asked a German athlete, "Are you a typical German?" When asked to clarify, the journalist explained that a typical German loved machines, worked hard, and was dependable. This is an example of ________. A) cultural noise B) discrimination C) kinesic behavior D) stereotyping

D) stereotyping

6) Which of the following is the primary cause of noise in the communication process? A) a lack of cultural empathy B) ineffective listening skills C) the technology used in the medium of communication D) the difference between two individuals' life space

D) the difference between two individuals' life space

105) Define decoding and list three main causes of incongruence in the decoding process.

Decoding is the process of translating the received symbols into the interpreted message. The main causes of incongruence are: (1) the receiver misinterprets the message, (2) the receiver encodes his or her return message incorrectly, or (3) the sender misinterprets the feedback.

81) What is paralanguage? How is an international manager's ability to interpret paralanguage essential to cross-cultural business communication?

Paralanguage refers to how something is said rather than the content of what is said. It includes dimensions such as the rate of speech, the tone and inflection of voice, other noises, laughing, or yawning. The culturally aware manager learns how to interpret subtle differences in paralanguage, including silence. Silence is a powerful communicator. It may be a way of saying no, of being offended, or of waiting for more information to make a decision. There is considerable variation in the use of silence in meetings. While Americans get uncomfortable after 10 or 15 seconds of silence, Chinese prefer to think the situation over for 30 seconds before speaking. The typical scenario between Americans and Chinese, then, is that the American gets impatient, says something to break the silence, and offends the Chinese by interrupting his or her train of thought and comfort level with the subject.

89) Define the concept of proxemics and provide examples of how proxemics differ between the cultures of Asia, Germany, the United States, and France.

Proxemics deals with the influence of proximity and space on communication, including personal space and office space or layout. Americans expect office layout to provide private space for each person, usually a larger and more private space as one goes up the hierarchy. In much of Asia, the custom is open office space with people at all levels working and talking in close proximity to one another. Space communicates power in both Germany and the United States, evidenced by the desire for a corner office or one on the top floor. The importance of French officials, however, is made clear by a position in the middle of subordinates, communicating that they have a central position in an information network, where they can stay informed and in control.

106) What kinds of personal abilities and behaviors have been shown to facilitate intercultural communication effectiveness (ICE)?

Research has identified seven characteristics that facilitate intercultural communication effectiveness: respect, interaction posture, orientation to knowledge, empathy, interaction management, tolerance for ambiguity, and other-oriented role behavior.

88) Why is language often a cause of miscommunication across cultures? What can international managers do to minimize communication problems that stem from language differences?

Spoken and written language is a frequent cause of miscommunication stemming from a person's inability to speak the local language, or a poor or too literal translation, a speaker's failure to explain idioms, or a person missing the meaning conveyed through body language or certain symbols. Even among countries that share the same language, there can be problems in the subtleties and nuances inherent in the use of the language. International managers need either a good command of the local language or competent interpreters, although even interpreters do not guarantee successful communication. Managers can improve the communication process by using words, pictures, or gestures that are appropriate to the receiver's frame of reference. Ways to avoid problems are to speak slowly and clearly, avoid long sentences and colloquial expressions, and explain things in several different ways and through several media, if possible. However, even though English is in common use around the world for business transactions, the manager's efforts to speak the local language will greatly improve the climate. To further clarify their messages, managers can hand out written summaries of verbal presentations and use visual aids, such as graphs or pictures. A good general guide is to move slowly, wait, and take cues from the receivers.