GBE UNIT 4 V Flashcards
(53 cards)
What does culture refer to in a business context?
The shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that guide the behavior of people in a society.
Who developed Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory?
Dutch social psychologist Geert Hofstede.
What does the Power Distance Index (PDI) measure?
The degree to which the less powerful members of society accept unequal distribution of power.
Characteristics of high PDI societies include:
- Acceptance of hierarchy
- Centralized organizations
- Subordinates rarely challenge leaders
Characteristics of low PDI societies include:
- More equal power distribution
- Participative decision-making
- Encouragement of sharing opinions
Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV) measures what?
Whether people prefer to act as individuals or as part of a group.
In individualistic cultures, employment relationships are typically:
Contractual and performance-based.
In collectivist cultures, what is prioritized over individual success?
Group loyalty, family, and community.
Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS) reflects what?
The distribution of roles between genders and the value placed on competitiveness versus care.
Characteristics of masculine cultures include:
- Stress on achievement
- Competitive workplaces
- Goal-driven environments
Characteristics of feminine cultures include:
- Value cooperation
- Emphasis on quality of life
- Focus on employee well-being
What does the Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) measure?
How societies deal with uncertainty, ambiguity, and unstructured situations.
High UAI cultures prefer:
- Formal rules
- Strict codes of behavior
- Risk-averse strategies
Low UAI cultures are characterized by:
- Flexibility
- Innovation
- Tolerance for ambiguity
Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Normative Orientation (LTO) reflects what?
Whether a culture focuses on future rewards or upholds traditional norms.
Long-term oriented cultures emphasize:
- Perseverance
- Thrift
- Adaptability
Indulgence vs. Restraint (IVR) measures what?
The extent to which a society allows gratification of basic human desires.
Indulgent cultures encourage:
- Leisure
- Personal enjoyment
- Freedom
Restrained cultures prioritize:
- Social control
- Duty over pleasure
- Discouragement of indulgence
What is cultural diversity?
The presence of people from different cultural backgrounds in an organization.
Name a challenge that cultural diversity presents in global business operations.
Communication barriers.
True or False: Leaders in high power distance cultures are expected to be participative.
False
What must companies consider when adapting HR strategies for cultural diversity?
Cultural values influence hiring, training, performance appraisal, and compensation.
What is the significance of cross-cultural understanding in managing a diverse international workforce?
It affects communication styles, leadership expectations, work ethics, and employee motivation.