Use the following Case Study to answer the next Two Questions

Cross Cultural Management Guide - South Africa

Approach to Change

South Africa's intercultural adaptability and readiness for change is apparent. South Africa is seen to have a medium tolerance for change and risk. It is important for innovations to have a track record or history noting the benefits if they are to be accepted and implemented.

The fear of exposure, and the potential of embarrassment that may accompany failure, brings about aversion to risk. Because of this attitude, intercultural sensitivity is going to be required, especially when conducting group meetings and discussing contributions made my participating individuals.

Approach to Time and Priorities

South Africa is a controlled-time culture, and adherence to schedules is important and expected. In South Africa missing a deadline is a sign of poor management and inefficiency, and will shake people's confidence.

Since South Africans respect schedules and deadlines, it is not unusual for managers to expect people to work late and even give up weekends in order to meet target deadlines. Successful intercultural management will depend on the individual's ability to meet deadlines.

Boss or Team Player?

In South Africa, groups collaborate well together as teams.

Members are generally chosen to participate based on tangible skills or the knowledge base they bring, and are equally welcome to contribute to any discussion that may arise.

The success of the cross cultural manager will depend on the individual's ability to harness the talent of the group assembled, and develop any resulting synergies.

Q1: Suppose you have just gotten a job in South Africa and you are asked to chair a meeting of a new team. Throughout the meeting you recognize that one team member seems engaged but hasn't spoken up, based on what you have learned in class and from the passage about South Africa, what would be the best approach?

a. Ask the team member to contribute their thoughts

b. Provide more time in the meeting until the team member is comfortable speaking up

c. Come to a decision without their input

d. Assume their expertise are not relevant to the discussion

Q2: Based on the passage and the class discussions, once a group decision is made in South Africa it is generally expected that:

a. Everyone is happy with the decision

b. Group members follow along with the decision

c. Consensus has been reached

d. The results of the decision are final