In a short essay, explain three ways that managers can achieve ...

[Lobcity]

In a short essay, explain three ways that managers can achieve cross-cultural success.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The most common predeparture training for an expatriate is ________.
 
  A) an informational briefing
  B) role playing
  C) in-depth cultural seminars
  D) language training

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Answer to Question 1

a. Managers should acquire factual and interpretive knowledge about the other culture and try to speak the language. Successful managers acquire a base of knowledge about the values, attitudes, and lifestyle of the cultures with which they interact. Managers study the political and economic background of target countries, their history, current national affairs, and perceptions about other cultures.
b. Managers should avoid cultural bias. Ethnocentric assumptions lead to poor business strategies in both planning and execution. Managers new to international business often find the behavior of a foreigner hard to explain. For example, it is easy to be offended when our foreign counterpart does not appreciate our food, history, sports, or entertainment or is otherwise inconsiderate. This situation may interfere with the manager's ability to interact effectively with the foreigner, even leading to communication breakdown. In this way, culture can be a significant barrier to successful cross-cultural communication.
c. Managers should develop cross-cultural skills. Each culture has its own ways of carrying out business transactions, negotiations, and dispute resolution. Managers must make an effort to gain cross-cultural proficiency in order to be successful in international business. Successful managers exhibit traits of perceptiveness, flexibility, and adaptability, and they make an effort to develop personal relationships.

Answer to Question 2

A