Quiz 4: Read the following story and answer questions in Quiz 4.
Listening or Participating?
Many expatriates in China have the following experience when working with Chinese colleagues. The following is an embarrassing situation that many American expatriates have experienced in China.
Situation
At a meeting room, an American department manager discussed something with his Chinese subordinate. Much to his surprise, he noticed that his Chinese colleague just listened and kept nodding and saying “yes, ok, en” but never offered any verbal message as feedback to his manager. Then the manager wondered if his Chinese colleague understood him or would cooperate with him on their work project. Finally, he couldn’t refrain from asking “Do you understand me?” “Yes, I see what you mean?” replied his colleague. But the American manager still doubted his Chinese colleagues' understanding and thought that it was so hard to communicate with the Chinese.
After the discussion, both of them went back to their offices, each thinking about what went wrong with their discussion:
American: I guess he did not understand me, but why he didn't ask me? Or why he didn’t ask for clarification? How could I work with him anymore in the future?
Chinese: He talked too much, but didn't give me time or a chance to ask.
American: I gave him plenty of time and opportunity to respond, but he didn't want to share his thoughts.
Questions for Intercultural Understanding:
Hofstede's website: ( We are so sorry to hear of Geert Hofstede's passing away this morning :( )
https://geerthofstede.com/culture-geert-hofstede-gert-jan-hofstede/6d-model-of-national-culture/
Seven Dimensions of Culture:
https://www.mbaknol.com/international-business/the-seven-dimensions-of-culture-by-fons-trompenaars/
Read the article and learn more about the related concepts mentioned above.
Homework: a case
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