Intercultural Communication Practice Test
Intercultural Communication Practice Test
Instructions:
4. A country where people often avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect is:
A) Australia
B) Japan
C) Germany
D) Brazil
ANS:
7. Which cultural value is demonstrated in the statement, “What is best for the group
outweighs personal desires”?
A) Masculinity
B) Collectivism
C) Individualism
D) Long-term orientation
ANS:
8. In which type of culture are hierarchical relationships most likely to influence decision-
making?
A) Individualistic
B) Low Power Distance
C) High Power Distance
D) Feminine
ANS:
10. According to Hofstede, which culture is most likely to value “Uncertainty Avoidance”?
A) USA
B) Greece
C) Australia
D) Sweden
ANS:
2. _____ High-context cultures rely more on verbal cues than on non-verbal ones.
3. _____ A long-term orientation places greater value on traditions and short-term gains.
4. _____ Low-context cultures are likely to use explicit contracts and agreements.
5. _____ Stereotypes often stem from incomplete or incorrect information about other
cultures.
6. _____ In high power distance cultures, employees feel comfortable challenging authority.
7. _____ Smiling may signify discomfort rather than happiness in some Asian cultures.
9. _____ High uncertainty avoidance cultures are more likely to take risks.
10. _____ In indirect cultures, people are more likely to say “no” directly.
A) Individualism
B) Masculinity
C) Polychronic
D) Collectivism
E) Ethnocentrism
F) Low-context communication
G) High-context communication
H) External locus of control
I) Monochronic
J) High Power Distance
Part IV: Open-Ended Questions (2 pts)
Scenario 1
Anna, an American manager, travels to Thailand to lead a project team. In her first meeting,
she directly outlines the team’s objectives, assigns tasks, and insists on strict deadlines.
Some team members avoid eye contact and respond with a polite “yes.” Later, she notices
the team isn’t meeting the deadlines, and when she asks about the delay, the team members
give indirect responses.
Q1: What cultural communication differences are evident in this scenario? How should
Anna adapt her approach to be more effective?
Scenario 2
During a business negotiation, Carlos from Mexico is meeting Laura from Germany. Carlos
emphasizes building rapport by sharing personal stories before discussing the deal. Laura,
however, keeps redirecting the conversation to the agenda and insists on detailed
documentation. Carlos feels Laura is cold and untrustworthy, while Laura thinks Carlos is
wasting time.
Q2: Identify the intercultural challenges in this scenario. What strategies could help both
Carlos and Laura improve their communication?
Scenario 3
Lisa, a British journalist, interviews Akira, a Japanese CEO. During the interview, Akira often
pauses before answering questions and gives vague responses. Lisa interprets this as
hesitance or lack of knowledge, while Akira believes he is being polite by carefully
considering his words.
Q3: Explain the cultural misunderstanding in this scenario. How can Lisa better understand
Akira’s communication style?
Scenario 4
During a conference, a French attendee criticizes an American speaker’s presentation,
calling it “unrealistic.” The American defends the idea passionately and interprets the
critique as personal. Meanwhile, the French attendee believes the discussion is simply a
healthy exchange of ideas.
Q4: What cultural perspectives contribute to this conflict? How can both parties find
common ground?