CUSTOMER_CODE
SMUDE
DIVISION_CODE
SMUDE
EVENT_CODE
OCTOBER15
ASSESSMENT_CODE BB0027_OCTOBER15
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
1909
QUESTION_TEXT
Explain the different dimensions of culture.
1.Individualism verses collectivism
2.Uncertainty avoidance dimension
SCHEME OF EVALUATION 3.Masculinity verses femininity
4.Centralised verses diffused power
5.Strong verses Weak Uncertainty avoidance.
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
1910
QUESTION_TEXT
Briefly explain the organisation characteristics of MNCs.
1.Organisational structure
2.Characteristics of formalization
SCHEME OF EVALUATION
3.Specialization
4.Centralisation
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
73207
QUESTION_TEXT
Elaborate Hofstede’s four dimensions of cultural analysis with examples.
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Geert Hofstede a researcher from Netherland was an expert on cross ultural
differences and management. Hid definition of culture is the collective
programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human
group from another. Culture according to him includes systems of values and
values are among the building blocks of culture. He isolated four dimensions of
culture that he claimed summarized different cultures viz, power distance,
uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs. Collectivism and masculinity vs.
Femininity. 2M
Power distance (orientation towards authority)dimension focus on how a
society deals with the fact that people are unequal in physical and intellectual
capabilities. High power distance cultures were found in countries that let
inequalities grow over time into inequalities of power and wealth. E.g. low
power distance North America, Germany. High power distance: African
countries. 2M
Individualism vs. Collectivism focuses relationship between the individuals and
his or her fellows. In individualist societies the ties between individuals were
loose and individual achievement and freedom were highly valued. 2M
E.g. individualistic cultures : the United States, Great Britain, Australia.
Collectivist societies: Colombia, Pakistan, Venezuela
uncertainty avoidance (desire for stability) dimension measured the extent to
which different cultures socialized with their members into accepting ambiguous
situations and tolerating uncertainty. High uncertainty avoidance cultures
placed a premium on job security, career patterns, retirement benefits and so
on. High uncertainty avoidance countries: Japan, Africa2M
Low uncertainty avoidance cultures: China
Masculinity and femininity (assertive and relational)dimension looked at
relationship between gender and work roles. In masculine cultures sex roles
were sharply differentiated and traditional masculine values such as
achievement and the effective exercise of power determined cultural ideals.
High Masculine cultures are Japan, Mexico and high feminine cultures are
Denmark, Sweden2M
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
73208
QUESTION_TEXT
What are the basic organisational structures? Point out the advantages and
disadvantages of global area division structure.
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Organisational structure is the typical hierarchical
arrangement of lines of authority, communication and rights and duties of an
organisation. Design of the organisation usually changes with the operations.
Basic organisation structures are : product organisation, global area division,
Global functional division, matrix structure, decentralized business unit
structure, strategic business unit structure, transnational global network
structures and mixed organisation structure. 2M
Product organisation: structural arrangement in
which domestic divisions are given worldwide responsibility for product group.
Global area division: the functions are grouped into departments based on
activities performed in different geographic areas. firm with high marketing
orientation and low technology products use this structure. Global functional
division : major functions are the focus. 2M
Matrix function: allows local subsidiaries to develop
products but at core centralised. Decentralised BU: based on product lines.
SBU structure: grouped in SBU each has strategies related to. Transnational
structure combines elements of functions, products and geographic design
while relying on network arrangement with subsidiaries. 2M
Advantages : decentralisation:
authority and responsibility and therefore performance accountability is
delegated directly to regional office. Better product/service: better deigned to
climatic and cultural needs of the region. Adoption: better able to adopt then
local needs, better response to technical needs, Pinpointing of profits, losses
easy, Maximisation of functional cooperation and regional experience2M
Disadvantages: duplication of
functions and costly application, lack of specialisation; conflicts between local
and global objectives; uniformity of quality difficult; managers have only
localised expertise; weak worldwide product emphasis and technical
knowledge.; policy barriers; weak communication; technology transfer
barriers2M
QUESTION_TYPE
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
QUESTION_ID
103624
QUESTION_TEXT
Explain communication in international business. What is organisational
communication and communication flow?
Communication is the process of transferring meanings from sender to
receiver. The sender of a message will determine what he or she wants to
say and then encode the message to convey his or her meanings. The
communiqué then is transmitted using some medium such as telephone,
email or face to face verbal interaction. Finally the message is decoded
and interpreted by the receiver. Two–way process. Reverse flow means
feedback. Distortions called noise.
In case of international business it is a complicated process as many
expatriates who have not been adequately trained will bring up
conversation topics that more experienced international managers know
should be avoided. The effectiveness of communication determined how
closely the sender and receiver have the same meaning for the same
message.
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION
Organisational communication involves both external and internal flow
of information. Important for international business as location is
different geographical areas create communication problems. External
communication during coming years government attempts to secure
agreements with other nationals. Internal communication use often is
influenced by cultural differences.
Communication flows: move up and down. Downward communication
is the transmission of information from manager to subordinate. To
convey order and information. Used for operational purposes. European
countries direct downward communication even beyond the business
matters. In US downward communication is used for work related
matters. Use of common words is preferred, strictly follow grammar,
avoid words of culturally biased.
Upward communication is the transfer of information from subordinate
to superior. Provide feedback ask questions and for assistance. Japan
Hongkong used frequently. In South America very less use of this form
of communication.
(10 marks)
QUESTION_T
DESCRIPTIVE_QUESTION
YPE
QUESTION_ID 103625
QUESTION_T
State the differences between masculine and Feminine Cultures.
EXT
SCHEME OF
EVALUATION