Test Bank

Chapter 5: Value orientations and behaviour

Multiple choice questions

1. In Hofstede’s study, he found that Japan is on top of the list of masculine culture whereas Norway, Sweden, and Denmark tend to be more feminine culture. Which of the following statements best describes a masculine culture?

a. There is overlapping social roles for men and women.

b. Inequalities among people are minimized.

c. Assertiveness, competition and material success are stressed.

d. People show little respect for their supervisors or elders.

2. Many Western cultures tend to think of time as a long ribbon stretched out in a progressive linear path, having a beginning and an end. Adherence to schedule is important. Which time orientation does this compartmentalization of time best characterize?

a. polychronic

b. chronemic

c. scientific

d. monochronic

3. Schwartz argues that there are three cultural dimensions which confront all societies. Which of the following best describes autonomy versus embeddedness?

a. the domination of humankind over nature

b. the relationship between ingroups and outgroups

c. the relationship between individuals and the group

d. a desire to maintain the social fabric

4. The value orientation theory, developed by Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, suggests that cultures develop unique positions in five value orientations. Which of the following is an assumption of the value orientation theory?

a. In every culture there are universal problems that must be addressed.

b. For a given culture, there are unlimited solutions to these problems.

c. Solutions to these problems are independent of the values of the culture.

d. Different generations of people from the same culture view environment differently.

5. The theory of power, proposed by Michel Foucault, is based on three main assumptions. Which of the following is an assumption of this theory?

a. Institutional bodies do not embody and sustain power relations.

b. Those who are subjects of power often cannot find ways to resist power.

c. Social hierarchy is not always present in communication interactions.

d. Power is dynamic, flowing through individuals in various contexts.

6. Uncertainty avoidance is one dimension of culture identified by Hofstede. Which of the following characterizes a culture strong in uncertainty avoidance?

a. active and unemotional

b. relaxed and tolerant

c. aggressive and compulsive

d. contemplative and security seeking

7. People in the United States are perceived as ‘efficiency experts’ that place a high value on time. Which value orientation, as identified by Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck, does emphasis on efficiency and practicality reflect?

a. human nature orientation

b. time orientation

c. activity orientation

d. relational orientation

8. International students from Asian countries such as China, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea tend to address their teachers by using only their last name or professional title. Which cultural dimension does this illustrate about Asian cultures?

a. collectivism

b. power distance

c. uncertainty avoidance

d. masculinity

9. Which of the following is NOT one of Schwartz’s cultural value types?

a. hierarchy

b. conservatism

c. liberalism

d. harmony

10. The Finns prefer to complete tasks one at a time, and being late or not finishing something on time is considered rude and impolite. Which of the following concepts best describes the Finnish time orientation?

a. polychronic

b. high-context

c. monochronic

d. multiple context

11. Managers in some cultures tend to be future-focused and value persistence; managers in other cultures tend to be present-focused and care more about immediate gratification. Which of the following cultural dimensions does this example best represent?

a. individualism versus collectivism

b. high uncertainty versus low uncertainty

c. harmony versus hierarchy

d. long-term versus short-term

12. The chapter identified four ethnical principles governing intercultural communication. Which of the following best describes the principle of mutuality?

a. communicating with an understanding of the perspective of the other

b. ensuring that the other party understands your perspective at all costs

c. communicating in a neutral language

d. ensuring that you understand and agree with the perspective of the other

Short answer questions

1. What is business culture and how it reflects the culture of a country?

2. What question does man-nature orientation address? Provide an example to explain.

3. Provide an example to explain Condon and Yousef’s family value orientation.

4. Define and explain ethical relativism approach.

5. What challenge does the internet create for limiting hate speech without discouraging freedom of expression?