Test Answer Booklet

(Reminder – write the question number clearly)

Test Answer Booklet

MGT4231E
Module INTERCULTURAL MANAGEMENT Module
Title: Code:

Date: 4-9-2023 Duration: 24 hours

Student Information:
Student I22022258
Name: GAN JIA PEI
ID:

● I have submitted my answer script to CANVAS AND kept one copy as a back- ☒
up.

● I have read through my work and check for errors in spelling and grammar. ☒

● I certify that the work submitted in this answer sheet is my own work, ☒
that it has not been copied from elsewhere nor had I received any
assistance from other sources. Any extracts from books, papers or other
sources have been properly acknowledged as references or quotations.
In addition, I agree that the electronic version of this assignment may be
subjected to electronic analysis for the detection of collusion, plagiarism
and other forms of unfair advantage.

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 Test Answer Booklet
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Question 1

Cultural differences really can affect communication, especially when there is a

language barrier. Differences in language skills can affect the effective communication.
For example, Japanese managers and French employees will struggle to understand
each other due to language differences. Therefore, companies should provide language
training and translation services to employees and encourage the use of a common
corporate language, such as English. As a manager, we also can consider to recruit the
employees who can speak and write in the international language, which is English.
This can help to reduce the language barrier problems because they can communicate
with English.

Furthermore, cultural differences will lead to different communication styles. Different

cultures have different norms about how to be direct or formal and how to use nonverbal
cues. For example, the direct and assertive communication style of German workers
may differ from the more indirect and harmonious style of their Chinese colleagues. To
address this challenge, companies should have courses training for employees
regularly so that they can learn and understand more about different cultures. Through
training, employees can improve their communication skills and encourage each team
member to share ideas. They can also improve work-life balance, avoid
miscommunication and improve teamwork to get the best out of different team
members. Employees can become more self-aware and respect different opinions.

As we know, different cultures will have different views on time management. For
example, what is considered acceptable in some Latin American countries may be
considered completely in unacceptable Western societies. For example, punctuality is
important and being late can result in financial losses in the United States. However,
Brazilians tend to have a relaxed attitude towards timeliness. There is no right or wrong
way to manage our time. Each culture's view of time has its own strengths and
weaknesses that are deeply embedded in the respective culture. In our increasingly
diverse world, it is important to understand different perspectives on time. To this end,

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organizations should provide training on cultural differences in nonverbal

communication and emphasize the importance of seeking clarification in times of
uncertainty. It’s also important to establish clear expectations about meeting times and
deadlines. We need to be flexible when needed, but it’s also important to communicate
the importance of sticking to a schedule.

Additionally, some cultures value hierarchy and authority, while others emphasize
equality. For example, if a U.S. manager makes decisions independently without
consulting the Indian team. This could lead to conflict because the Indian team values a
more collaborative approach. To address this issue, companies should establish clear
decision-making processes and promote a culture where managers actively seek input
from team members and create an environment of collaboration and collective decision-
making.

Next, insufficient cultural awareness and sensitivity can lead to unintentional

cultural insensitivity or bias. For example, a British employee might joke about a
colleague's cultural mores without realizing how offensive these actions are. To address
this issue, companies should provide cultural sensitivity training to increase awareness
of potential biases and promote respectful behavior and communication. Additionally, it
would be beneficial to foster an inclusive organizational culture that values diversity and
encourages cross-cultural learning. As a leader, we can also contribute to creating a
workplace that values cultural sensitivity by emphasizing equity and inclusion. We
should always be kind and open when interacting with colleagues and make sure
everyone's perspective is heard when engaging in collaboration or forming a team.

Finally, different cultures view feedback and performance reviews differently. For
example, a French manager providing direct and critical feedback to an Indian
employee can be off-putting and confusing. To combat this, companies should develop
guidelines for giving and receiving feedback, take into account cultural norms, and
ensure performance reviews are transparent and fair. Nonverbal cues, such as body

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(Reminder – write the question number clearly)

language, gestures, and eye contact will have different meanings in different cultures.
For example, a Japanese team member may find a Brazilian colleague's handshake to
be too firm and impolite. To address this issue, companies should provide training on
cultural differences in nonverbal communication and emphasize the importance of
asking for clarification when unsure. Getting everyone on the same page about the
nuances of communication is critical for cross-cultural teams. This means being aware
of the different ways in which people from different cultures communicate, such as the
slang, idioms and body language they use. It's also important to be clear and concise in
your communications and avoid using humor or sarcasm that could be misinterpreted.
Teamwork is a collective responsibility and all members must have a clear
understanding during discussions. This means being able to follow the conversation,
ask questions when something is unclear, and contribute your own ideas.
Communication issues often arise in virtual teams without face-to-face interaction. This
is because it’s more difficult to interpret nonverbal cues and build rapport in a virtual
environment. To avoid misunderstandings, communicate with extra clarity and
conciseness and, where possible, use video conferencing or other tools that allow for
face-to-face interaction. Attention must be paid to wording across cultural groups. Even
seemingly innocuous comments or jokes can be misunderstood in cross-cultural
contexts. It is important to understand the cultural norms of the person you are
communicating with and avoid any behavior that may be considered offensive or
disrespectful.

In conclusion, communication can be affected by culture in many ways, both

positively and negatively. It’s important to understand these impacts and adjust your
communication accordingly. Culture can shape different expectations about how to
communicate. Attention must be paid to different cultural norms to avoid
misunderstandings. We all have cultural biases, which highlight the importance of
recognizing and appreciating other cultures to promote inclusivity.

~~ The End ~~

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