Question 1

A _____ group is a group in which two or more members represent each of two distinct cultures, such as four Mexicans and four Taiwanese who have formed a team to investigate the possibility of investing in a venture.

Accepted Answer

A bicultural group refers to a group where two or more members represent each of two distinct cultures, such as the Mexican and Taiwanese example given. Multicultural groups may include representation from multiple cultures, but not necessarily in equal proportions. A token group refers to a group where a member from a minority group is included to provide the appearance of diversity, but may not have an equal voice or influence in the group. A homogeneous group is one in which members share similar cultural backgrounds.

Question 2

A _____ group is a group in which there are individuals from three or more different ethnic backgrounds, such as three U.S., three German, three Uruguayan and three Chinese managers who are looking into mining operations in South America.

Accepted Answer

A multicultural group is characterized by individuals from multiple ethnic backgrounds. This is different from a homogeneous group, which consists of individuals from the same or similar ethnic backgrounds, and a token group, where there is only one individual from a minority group. Bicultural groups are those in which individuals identify with two distinct cultures.

Question 3

The benefits or advantages of culturally diverse groups include the following except:

Accepted Answer

Glass-ceiling protection is not a benefit of culturally diverse groups. The other options (enhanced creativity, improved decision-making, increased effectiveness of organization performance) are valid benefits of having a culturally diverse group.

Question 4

In the _____ stage of group development, attention may be directed more toward describing and analyzing the problem or task that has been assigned.

Accepted Answer

In the work stage of development, attention may be directed more toward describing and analyzing the problem or task that has been assigned.

Question 5

A _____ group is a group that is characterized by members who share similar backgrounds and generally perceive, interpret and evaluate events in similar ways.

Accepted Answer

A homogeneous group consists of individuals who share similar backgrounds, identities, and experiences. This leads to shared values, beliefs and ways of interpreting events. A multicultural group, on the other hand, is a group that includes members from different cultural backgrounds. A bicultural group is a type of multicultural group where members identify with and have experience in more than one culture. A token group is a group where members of a minority group are present but are significantly outnumbered by individuals from the dominant group.

Question 6

Multicultural teams are most effective when they face tasks requiring:

Accepted Answer

Multicultural teams are most effective when facing tasks that require innovativeness. This is because multicultural teams can bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table, which can lead to more innovative and creative solutions. Tasks that require cost-cutting or the application of routine technologies may not necessarily benefit from multicultural teams, while tasks requiring confidentiality may present challenges due to potential communication barriers and trust issues.

Question 7

What are the four types of organizational culture identified by Fons Trompenaars? Provide a brief description of each of these cultures.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

In the _____ stage of group development, the focus should be on building trust and developing team cohesion.

Accepted Answer

During the Entry stage, group members are getting to know each other and establishing relationships. Building trust and developing team cohesion is crucial during this stage, as it sets the foundation for effective collaboration and communication in later stages.

Question 9

What is organizational culture and what are some of its major characteristics?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

A _____ group is a group in which all members but one have the same background, such as a group of Japanese retailers and a British attorney.

Accepted Answer

A token group is a group in which only one member represents a different background or identity than the rest of the members. In this scenario, the British attorney is the token member in the group of Japanese retailers. The other options (B, C, D) refer to groups with more diversity in backgrounds and identities.

Question 11

When _____ occurs, group participants believe that their ideas and actions are correct and that those who disagree with them are either uninformed or deliberately trying to sabotage their efforts.

Accepted Answer

Groupthink refers to a phenomenon where group members strive to maintain unanimity and harmony within the group at the expense of critical thinking and independent decision-making. This often leads to a narrow and biased view of the situation, and group participants disregard alternative viewpoints or dissenting opinions. This phenomenon can be particularly damaging in situations where high-stakes decisions are being made, as groupthink can lead to suboptimal outcomes and negative consequences for the organization or group members.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a multicultural group?

Accepted Answer

A multicultural group includes members from different cultural backgrounds, and in this case, the group includes American, German, Uruguayan, and Chinese managers, making it a multicultural group. The other options do not have a diverse cultural background in the group.

Question 13

Discuss some of the potential problems associated with diversity.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Discuss findings of Hofstede and Andre Laurent about the relationship between national and organizational culture.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Mention the four principles around which successful approach to culturally diverse groups at NUMMI was built.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 6: Organizational Cultures and Diversity