Chapter 10 Homework

1. Discuss the steps in preparing a manager to go overseas.
Noe says, "To be successful in overseas assignments, expatriates (employees) need to be: 1) Competent in their area of expertise, 2) Able to communicate verbally and non-verbally in the host country, 3) Flexible, tolerant of ambiguity, emotionally stable, outgoing and agreeable, and sensitive to cultural differences, 4) Motivated to succeed, able to enjoy the challenge of working in other countries, and willing to learn about the host country's culture, language, and customs, 5) Supported by their families."
2. List the five dimensions of culture. How does each of the dimensions affect employee behavior?
1) Individualism-collectivism
• In an individualistic culture such as the United States, employees expect to be hired, evaluated, and rewarded based on their personal skills and accomplishments.
• In as collective culture, employees are more likely to have a voice in decisions. Our apparent self-interest shocks some Japanese managers.
2) Uncertainty Avoidance
• It refers to the degree to which prefer either structured or unstructured situations.
• In cultures such as Japan they favor structured situations, in cultures such as Jamaica employees cope by not worrying about the future.
3) Masculinity-Femininity
• Masculine – cultures such as Japan focus on Competitiveness
• Femininity – cultures such as the Netherlands higher value is placed on quality of life, helping others, and protecting the environment.
4) Power Distance
• High power distance cultures countries address each other with titles such as Smith-san.
• Low power distance cultures people use first names, would be disrespectful in other countries.
5) Time Orientation
• Short-term oriented cultures focus on the past and present. Long-term oriented cultures focus on the future.
3. What does "managing diversity" mean to you? Assume you are in charge of developing a diversity training program. Who would be involved? What would you include as the content of the program?
Noe says Managing diversity involves creating an environment that allows all employees to contribute to organizational goals and experience personal growth. This will involve access to all jobs and positive treatment of all employees. The employee, employer, trainer, and employee's family should be involved.
4. What are school-to-work transition programs? Why are they needed? How do they benefit companies?
School-to-work transition program utilize classroom training in high school to ensure that the students will be ready for employment. They are needed because training in a specific field will prepare the student to enter the work force. They benefit companies because with the classroom training they have received they will require less training once they enter the job they have trained for.
5. How can companies ensure that talented women have access to development programs?
Melt the glass ceiling, allow women the opportunity to developmental relationships such as mentoring and informal social networks.

Michael Jordan