The Business. Study Unit 1. Corporate Culture p. 16 ex.

1. The appropriateness of addressing to the boss by their first name

varies across different English-speaking cultures. Despite it is considered the
norm in many cultures, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, there
are some exceptions. For instance, in Africa, it is customary to address superiors
and often peers by their surname. Similarly, the use of first names is uncommon
in many parts of Asia, as well as in Europe.

2. The question of whether it is appropriate to socialize with managers

outside of work is influenced by cultural norms. In some cultures, such as France,
there is a clear separation between professional and personal life. In contrast,
companies like Ikea, based in Sweden, often arrange social gatherings, where
employees at all levels are expected to interact with one another in a relaxed and
informal way.

3. It is acceptable to politely decline a superior's request to bring

coffee for visitors, as it may not be within your job responsibilities. I firmly
believe in maintaining a professional work environment where employees are
valued for their skills and expertise, rather than their willingness to perform
tasks outside of their job responsibilities.

4. It is important to consider the nature of the job when determining

the appropriateness of personal calls during work hours. The jobs that require
high levels of focus and concentration, such as those in production, personal
calls may be considered a hindrance to productivity. Conversely, in more
flexible roles, such as those in sales or marketing, personal calls may not be a
significant problem.

5. Cultural attitudes towards working late at the office to complete

tasks can vary significantly between regions. In certain English-speaking, such
as the USA, and Nordic cultures staying late to finish work may be considered
as an indication of inefficiency. However, in Latin and Asian countries, the
opposite may be true, as working late often may be viewed as a demonstration
of dedication and commitment. Furthermore, In these cultures, working late
hours might be perceived as a symbol masculinity.

6. The question of whether junior staff should wait to be invited to

speak during meetings is contingent upon both the organizational structure and
the prevailing culture. For instance, in large scientific gatherings, it's typical for
most participants to not be expected to give a speech, so the same may apply to
junior members.

7. The acceptability of offering suggestions to superiors on how to

enhance business operations depends on the organization's culture. Some
companies embrace and even foster a culture where junior staff members are
encouraged to share ideas for improvements. However, in smaller enterprises,
where management may feel more personally invested and accountable for their
methods, such input may be met with less enthusiasm.

8. Having into a romantic relationship with a colleague is generally

not recommended. Some companies have a strict policy against hiring couples
and may even discourage staff from engaging in such relationships.