3.6: Cultural Change Flashcards
How has American culture changed regarding the role of women in the business world since the 1960s?
In the 1960s, American values concerning the role of women, love, sex, and marriage changed significantly. Initially, the idea of women holding senior management positions in major corporations was not widely accepted.
However, today, women like Mary T. Barra (CEO of General Motors) and Corie Barry (CEO of Best Buy) hold such positions, and the capability of women in the business world is widely acknowledged.
What cultural shifts have been observed in ex-communist states like Russia and the Eastern bloc?
Ex-communist states such as Russia and the Eastern bloc are undergoing significant changes in their value systems.
They are moving away from collectivism towards individualism, although this shift often leads to social turmoil.
How is the traditional Japanese work ethic changing among the newer generation of office workers?
The traditional Japanese work ethic, where office workers (salarymen) were extremely loyal to their organizations, is changing among the newer generation.
The new generation is more direct and individualistic, resembling Western work practices.
They are not as devoted to the company, prioritize their personal lives, and are willing to change jobs for better opportunities.
What factors have been suggested to influence societal change, particularly concerning the shift from collectivism to individualism?
Economic advancement and globalization have been identified as important factors in societal change.
Economic progress is often accompanied by a shift from collectivism to individualism.
Richer societies have fewer dependencies on collectives, leading to greater emphasis on individualism.
Economic progress also brings urbanization and improved education, both of which contribute to declining traditional values associated with rural societies.
How has globalization contributed to cultural changes in various societies?
Globalization, facilitated by advances in transportation, communication technologies, and increased international trade, has led to cultural changes in various societies. It has created conditions for cultural merging, with products and operations of global corporations like Hitachi, Disney, Microsoft, and Levi Strauss becoming ubiquitous worldwide.
However, this cultural exchange is not unidirectional; smaller cultures can also influence larger ones, evident in the expansion of Canadian retailers like Tim Hortons, Lululemon, and Roots into other countries.
What are some important countertrends to cultural convergence?
Important countertrends include the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in certain countries, the Quebec separatist movement, and ethnic strains and separatist movements in Russia.
These trends reflect societies trying to preserve their cultural uniqueness amid global pressures.
Why are some societies emphasizing their cultural roots in the modern world?
Societies emphasize cultural roots in response to modern and materialistic pressures.
The rise of fundamentalism and separatist movements represents efforts to maintain cultural uniqueness amidst global influences.
What are the implications for international business arising from cultural differences?
Firstly, there’s a need for cross-cultural literacy, understanding the significance of cultural variations.
Secondly, there’s a vital link between culture and ethics in decision making.
Lastly, cultural factors are connected to national competitive advantage.
How are new customer groups complicating the understanding of cultures in international business?
New customer groups are forming without strict national distinctions.
For instance, companies might target broad demographics like “Asian customers” or “North American seniors,” blurring traditional national borders in their marketing strategies.
How does culture influence the economic, political, and legal systems in a country?
Culture forms a foundational layer upon which economic, political, and legal values rest.
For example, in Canada, legislation emphasizes fairness and individualism, aligning with the culture’s low power distance. T
his contrasts with Chinese culture, where concepts like guanxi prioritize networked relationships and group obligations, sometimes conflicting with Western notions like insider trading prohibitions.
Why is understanding the connection between culture and ethics crucial in international business decision-making?
Understanding the link between culture and ethics is vital in international business decisions to navigate varied ethical perspectives across cultures.
Different cultural values, such as individualism in Canada and guanxi in China, shape ethical frameworks and decision-making processes.
What is the significant danger faced by companies venturing into international business for the first time?
he primary danger is being ill-informed about the practices of another culture. Companies lacking cultural knowledge are likely to fail in international business.
Why is adaptation crucial for international businesses operating in different cultures?
Adaptation is vital because all aspects of a company’s operations in a foreign country, including negotiation tactics, incentive systems, organizational structure, product names, and employee relations, need to align with the cultural norms and values of that specific culture.
One approach might not work universally.
How can international businesses address the risk of being ill-informed about foreign cultures?
International businesses can address this risk by employing local citizens, ensuring executives are cosmopolitan and transferring them overseas regularly to expose them to diverse cultures.
Why is ethnocentrism a concern in international business, and how can companies mitigate its impact?
Ethnocentrism, a belief in one’s own culture’s superiority, can lead to disregard or contempt for other cultures. International businesses must be vigilant against it.
Mitigation involves promoting cultural understanding among employees and executives, fostering a cosmopolitan mindset, and actively countering ethnocentric attitudes to foster successful cross-cultural interactions.
