Cross-cultural biases occur when managers are required to evaluate employees from different cultural backgrounds other than their own. For example, in many Eastern cultures, the elderly are treated with greater respect and are held in higher esteem than in many Western cultures. If a young supervisor is asked to rate an older employee, this cultural value of “respect and esteem”

could bias the rating. Likewise, in some Arabic cultures, women are expected to play a very subservient role, especially in public. Assertive women may receive biased ratings because of these cross-cultural differences. Do your own research and find three or four different examples of how this potential source of bias might present itself in today’s culturally diverse hospitality industry.

Be prepared to share your findings with the rest of the class.