International Management and Cultural Dimensions: Key Concepts and Frameworks

What is international management?

Managing people, organizations, and strategies across national borders.

What drives globalization?

Advances in technology, expansion of international trade, and growth of global communication.

What are MNCs?

Multinational Corporations that operate in more than one country.

What challenges do international managers face?

Government stability, regulations, trade restrictions, and corruption.

How does culture affect international management?

It influences communication styles, negotiation strategies, and workplace ethics.

What is Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions model?

A model that explains how national cultures differ in values like power, individuality, and uncertainty.

What is the Iceberg Model of Culture?

A model illustrating that visible cultural practices represent deeper, often invisible values.

What is power distance in cultural dimensions?

The acceptance of unequal power within a society.

What does individualism vs. collectivism refer to?

The focus on self versus the group in cultural values.

What is masculinity vs. femininity in cultural dimensions?

The motivation towards achievement versus nurturing values.

What does uncertainty avoidance measure?

Comfort with uncertainty and risk in a culture.

What is long-term vs. short-term orientation?

Focus on future planning versus present focus in cultural values.

What does indulgence vs. restraint indicate?

The freedom to enjoy life versus controlled behavior in a culture.

How do communication styles differ across cultures?

High context cultures rely on implicit communication, while low context cultures use explicit communication.

What is the impact of culture on negotiation strategies?

Cultures may prefer direct or indirect approaches in negotiations.

How does culture influence leadership and decision-making?

Cultures may have hierarchical or participative leadership styles.

What is the significance of cultural awareness in international management?

It helps managers navigate diverse cultural environments effectively.

What are some key takeaways from studying culture in international management?

Culture is complex, learned, and significantly influences business behavior.

What is the role of ethical standards in different cultures?

Ethical standards vary by country and can affect business practices.

What challenges arise from language barriers in international management?

They can hinder communication and collaboration across cultures.

What is the significance of flexibility and adaptability in international management?

These skills are crucial for responding to diverse cultural contexts.

What are the implications of economic factors in international management?

Currency exchange rates, inflation, and economic instability can affect business operations.

What is the importance of strong communication skills in international management?

They facilitate effective interactions across different cultural backgrounds.

What does the term 'cultural integration' refer to?

Changes in one part of a culture can affect the whole culture.

What is the relevance of workplace culture in international management?

It shapes employee behavior and organizational practices across different countries.

What is the significance of a guest speaker's experience in a cultural context?

It provides real-world insights into living and working in a different culture.

What is the format of the exam?

50 multiple-choice questions

How long do students have to complete the exam?

The entire class period

What is the prize for the winning group in the review game?

+3 points on their exam grade

How should a student contact Professor McKinney for a quick response?

Send a text message

How will a late Creative Concept Video project be graded if submitted without prior contact?

The assignment will receive half credit

What happens if a student misses a class after using all five allowed absences?

The absence still counts toward the attendance total

In an active shooter situation, what is the first action to take?

Lock the classroom door

What is the 'hard corner' in an active shooter situation?

The corner of the room that cannot be seen through the window of the door

What is the outcome for a student who has missed thirteen classes but has an 82 in the class?

The student will fail the course

What type of company operates in multiple countries but is headquartered in one?

Multinational Corporation

What challenge does a U.S. company face when expanding into Germany?

Must follow German labor laws instead of U.S. labor laws

What are the three factors that make international management decisions more complex than domestic decisions?

Distance, Cultural Differences, and Uncertainty

What is the focus of International Management?

Managing People, Organizations, and Strategy across countries.

What management decision involves choosing between offering the same product worldwide or adjusting it for local markets?

Standardization vs. Adaptation

How is culture primarily learned?

Through Socialization.

What model suggests that visible behaviors reflect deeper, unseen cultural values?

The Iceberg Model of Culture.

What are examples of visible culture?

Food, dress, and language.

How is culture best described?

As shared values, norms, and beliefs of a group.

What do bowing, formal greetings, and intentional language in Japan reflect as deeper cultural values?

Respect (for others/hierarchy).

In which country is it generally more acceptable for employees to question or openly approach their supervisor?

The United States.

In which country are employees generally more comfortable with hierarchy and authority in the workplace?

South Africa.

How might planning and goal-setting differ between organizations in the United States and South Africa?

Organizations in the United States are more likely to emphasize long-term planning and future-oriented goals, while organizations in South Africa may place relatively more emphasis on shorter-term outcomes.

How might work-life balance and workplace norms differ between the United States and South Africa?

Employees in the United States may place a greater emphasis on personal freedom, enjoyment, and work-life balance, while employees in South Africa may experience more restraint and stronger social norms guiding behavior.

What changes would a manager likely need to make when motivating employees in South Africa compared to the United States?

Very few changes would be needed, as both countries place a strong emphasis on motivation toward achievement and success, but managers should adjust how motivation is delivered to align with local social norms.