Tutorial Preparation No 6

Tutorial preparation No6

To be posted on Studynet by Tuesday 10th March 9 AM

Read Chapter 2 of the course book ‘Global Perspectives in Business’ PAGES 40-57 and your lecture notes.

Task 1:
What is the difference between ethnocentricity and the self-referencing criterion? (150 words)
Ethnocentricity is defined to be a tendency to use one’s own culture as the standard to judge and evaluate other cultures. In other words, taking an ethnocentric point of view means using one’s understanding of his or her own culture to gauge what is "normal”, specially with concern of customs, language or behavior. This can lead to biases and a tendency to view cultural differences as abnormal or in a negative light. It can also make it difficult to see how a person’s own cultural background influences his or her behaviors. In contrast, self-referencing criterion refers to unconscious reference to a cultural belief, traditions, behavior and knowledge as a basis for decisions. For example, when a person faces a problem, he or she would tend to react abruptly and take decisions on the basis of values, meanings, behaviors and symbols that they have taken from their own culture. This type of decisions usually do not proved to be correct, as values, meanings and all other elements of culture usually differ from country to country
Task 2:
In what ways do attitudes toward time vary across national cultures? In what ways may these differences cause problems for business people having to work with cultures different from their own? (200 words)

Polychronic and monochronic behaviours are ways of defining different attitudes towards dealing with time. The individuals who treat time with a monochronic attitude result in attempting to do only one task at a time. In contrast, those individuals treating time with a polychronic attitude typically view time as a naturally recurring phenomenon that can be used for many purposes at once. Individuals with a monochronic attitude to time will tend to multi-task, attempting several tasks at the same time. However, someone with this attitude will also divide their specific times to specific tasks, and will focus on one task before moving onto the next (Hofstede, 1996). Problems can occur for business people having to work with cultures different from their own. When people of different cultures having different attitudes towards time meet, they often fail to understand other people’s intentions and ways to interact, especially in communicating. While individuals with monochronic attitude view their opponents as disorganised, lazy, or irrespondsible people, polychronists consider their colleagues to be obsessed with rules and formalities, and seek to establish emotional bonding before switching to professional matters.

Task 3:
Identify the main religion in Brazil, China, India, Ireland, Thailand, Mexico and Russia.
Brazil:
+ Roman Catholicism
+ Protestantism
China:
+ Buddhism
+ Christian
+ Taoism
India:
+ Hinduism
+ Islam
+ Christianity
Ireland:
+ Roman Catholic
+ Anglican
Thailand:
+ Buddhism
+ Islam
Mexico:
+ Catholicism
+ Protestantism
Russia:
+ Russian Orthodox
+ Muslim
+ Spiritual but not religious

Task 4:
In what ways does religion affect international business activities? Give precise examples. (250 words)

The system of values and beliefs that characterizes a culture may be embodied in a particular religion. As well as religious power, religion may exercise significant political power. In countries where religion is a major element of the cultural environment, sensitivity to local religious beliefs and practices is particularly important in building business relations.
In many countries, many social associations and political parties are commonly based on religious affiliations. These have formed an essential dimension of the business environment. For instance, the growth in membership and impact of large churches in parts of the US influences on the social and cultural environment of the communities in which they are located. If there is an established religion in a location, a business must take account of its wide ramifications. On the other hand, if a business is situated in a multiple religions location, it should become a good corporate citizen and should not discriminate (Morrison, 2006). Knowing the business partner’s religious beliefs well will help to achieve good outcomes. Do not know the business partner’s religious beliefs well may lead to the failure of running business. In addition, many aspects of business life are directly or indirectly affected by religious beliefs and practices. There are particular foods that are forbidden such as beef for Hindus; ban or restrictions on consumption of alcoholic drink; religious festivals during which work may be forbidden; clothing requirements; requirement for women and men to be segregated in the work environment in Muslim societies; and the ban on Sunday shopping in some countries (Morrison, 2006)

Reference:
Hofstede G (1996). Cultures and organizations; software of the mind. Intercultural co-operation and its importance for survival. McGraw-Hill (Revised edition).

Morrison, J. (2006). The International Business Environment, Palgrave, Second Edition.