TAKE HOME CROSS CULTURE UNDERSTANDING

Name : Asti Indah Wulandari

NPM : 2200888203012

A1/ 3rd Semester

1. Women must deal with the subconscious counter forces of corporate cultural practice that ensure only
members who fit well within the dominant organizational cultural system succeed. From an
organizational perspective, companies that use and build on an increasingly diverse workforce that
includes women will have the competitive advantage. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the
previous statement? Provide rationale and logic behind your answer through using examples to highlight
your understanding.

Answer : I completely agree with the statement! Diversity in the workforce, including women, brings a
multitude of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. This can lead to greater innovation,
creativity, and problem-solving within organizations. When companies embrace and value diversity, they
can tap into a wider range of talents and skills, giving them a competitive edge in the market. For
example, research has shown that companies with more gender diversity at the executive level tend to
outperform those with less diversity. By creating an inclusive environment that supports and promotes
women, companies can harness the power of their diverse workforce and drive success.

2. Explain different skills that need to exist in a leader to enable him/her to create the cross cultural
sensitivity competency to become a global Leader. Provide examples for each one of them to highlight
your understanding

Answer : To become a global leader with cross-cultural sensitivity, there are several skills that are
important. Firstly, a leader should have a deep understanding of different cultures. They need to
appreciate and respect differences and understand the norms and values that exist in various cultures. For
example, a leader who understands Asian culture well can respect principles such as honor, hierarchy, and
politeness that hold great significance in Asian societies. Secondly, effective cross-cultural
communication skills are crucial. Leaders should be able to communicate clearly and avoid
misunderstandings that may arise from language differences, communication styles, or different
communication norms. For instance, a leader who can communicate effectively in English and also
understands body language and facial expressions across different cultures can easily interact with a
global team consisting of members from various countries. Furthermore, leaders need to have a strong
cultural awareness. They should be able to recognize and appreciate cultural differences, and avoid biases
or stereotypes that can hinder cross-cultural cooperation and understanding. For example, a leader with
strong cultural awareness will avoid generalizing or assuming that everyone from a particular culture has
the same characteristics. Lastly, leaders need to have adaptability and flexibility. They should be able to
adapt to different cultural contexts and situations, and have an openness to learn and develop new
understandings. For example, a leader who can quickly adapt to time differences, work habits, and
cultural customs when collaborating with teams across different time zones demonstrates adaptability.
These skills, when combined, enable leaders to create a cross-cultural sensitivity competency and become
effective global leaders.

3. The perception of bribery versus tips is culturally relative and an employee’s conscious is culturally
conditioned. Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the previous statement? Provide rationale and
logic behind your answer through using examples to highlight your understanding of ethical relativism
across different cultures.

Answer : I agree with the statement that the perception of bribery versus tips is culturally relative, and an
employee's conscience is culturally conditioned. Ethics and moral values can vary across cultures, leading
to different interpretations and practices regarding bribery and tipping. For example, in some cultures,
giving a monetary gift to a government official to expedite a bureaucratic process may be seen as a
normal practice, while in other cultures, it would be considered bribery and unethical. Similarly, tipping
practices vary greatly across different countries. In some cultures, tipping is expected and considered a
way to show appreciation for good service, while in others, it may be seen as unnecessary or even
offensive. Cultural conditioning plays a significant role in shaping individuals' perceptions of what is
acceptable or unacceptable behavior. People's upbringing, societal norms, and values influence their
understanding of ethical practices. For instance, in collectivist cultures, where the emphasis is on the
group's well-being, individuals may prioritize loyalty and favors within their social networks, which can
impact their perception of bribery. Ethical relativism acknowledges that moral standards are not universal
and can differ across cultures. It recognizes that what may be considered morally right or wrong in one
culture may not be the same in another culture. This understanding highlights the importance of cultural
sensitivity and the need to respect and understand different ethical perspectives when operating in a
global context. It's crucial for global leaders to be aware of these cultural differences and adapt their
ethical frameworks accordingly. They should strive to understand the cultural context they are operating
in and navigate the ethical complexities that may arise. This includes being mindful of local customs,
laws, and ethical standards to ensure their actions align with the cultural expectations of the specific
environment they are working in.