Organizational Culture, Diversity, and Cross-Cultural Communication

Flashcards for Chapter 6 and 7, focusing on Organizational Culture, Diversity, and Cross-Cultural Communication.

Organizational Culture

Shared values and beliefs that help members understand organizational functioning.

Artifacts & Creations

Visible structures in an organization (e.g., office design).

Values

Stated norms and beliefs within an organization (e.g., collaboration).

Basic Assumptions

Deep, taken-for-granted beliefs in an organization.

Hofstede's Finding

National cultural values deeply influence work behavior and are resistant to change.

Leadership Style (Influence on Culture)

A factor influencing organizational culture in MNCs.

Subsidiary Independence (Influence on Culture)

The degree of autonomy a subsidiary has, influencing organizational culture.

National Values (Influence on Culture)

A country's values that affect organizational culture within its borders.

Family Culture

Power-oriented, hierarchical, person-focused organizational culture.

Eiffel Tower Culture

Role-oriented, hierarchical, task-focused organizational culture.

Guided Missile Culture

Task-oriented, egalitarian organizational culture.

Incubator Culture

Person-oriented, egalitarian organizational culture, where individual fulfillment is central.

USA Corporate Culture

Decentralized and informal (Incubator/Guided Missile).

Japan Corporate Culture

Centralized and formal (Eiffel Tower).

France Corporate Culture

Centralized and formal (Family/Eiffel Tower).

Homogenous Group

A group with members from the same background.

Token Group

A group where one member is different from the rest.

Bicultural Group

A group with two distinct cultural groups.

Multicultural Group

A group with three or more distinct cultural groups.

Challenges of Diversity

Miscommunication, mistrust, stereotyping, and biases within a diverse group.

Benefits of Diversity

Increased creativity, decision-making quality, and group effectiveness.

Communication

Transferring meaning via common symbols.

High-Context Cultures

Indirect, implicit messages; reliance on nonverbal cues (e.g., Japan).

Low-Context Cultures

Direct, explicit messages; verbal clarity is key (e.g., U.S.).

Direct Communication Style

Communication style that is explicit and straightforward.

Indirect Communication Style

Communication style that relies on implicit messages and nonverbal cues.

Elaborate Communication Style

Communication style with rich, expressive language.

Exacting Communication Style

Communication style with precise and accurate language.

Succinct Communication Style

Communication style with brief and concise language.

Contextual Communication Style

Communication style that is role-based.

Personal Communication Style

Communication style that is individual-based.

Affective Communication Style

Communication style that is receiver-focused.

Instrumental Communication Style

Communication style that is sender-focused.

Downward Communication

Communication from manager to subordinate (e.g., orders).

Upward Communication

Communication from subordinate to manager (e.g., feedback).

Kinesics

Facial expressions, gestures.

Proxemics

Physical space (intimate to public distance).

Chronemics

Use of time (Monochronic vs Polychronic).

Chromatics

Color meanings vary (e.g., white = mourning in some cultures).

Distributive Negotiation

Win-lose negotiation; fixed value.

Integrative Negotiation

Win-win negotiation; cooperative problem-solving.

Cultural Awareness

Understanding of cultural differences.

Cultural Mastery

Deep experience and understanding of a culture beyond simple awareness.

Nonverbal Communication

Includes kinesics, proxemics, chronemics, and chromatics.

Stereotyping

A challenge of diversity.

Groupthink

Diversity can prevent this.

Paraphrasing

Technique to ensure understanding with non-native speakers.

Language

A barrier to communication.

Neutral Ground

Preferred location for negotiation fairness.

Time Pressure

Negotiation tactic.