Lesson 6: Cultural Dispositions

Scenarios Assigment and Practice

The following assignment should be completed with another team member (preferably international) who has completed the lesson. Examine each of the following scenarios. Which framework best fits each scenario?

Scenario #1 Tom Hardy

Tom is a team leader for a GV team. He was raised in the U.S. and has travelled extensively throughout the world, but never lived in an area for more than a month or two. He is currently managing a GV team with members in Japan, China, Singapore, Mexico and Canada. On several occasions team members have missed or been late with an assigned tasks, usually with a good reason. However, today was the last straw for Tom. When he heard that Wong, the Singaporean member, had missed a deadline, Tom chided him as the other team members listened in. He clearly stated that everyone was busy and had obligations outside of work, but that was not excuse for not meeting assigned deadlines. Tom continued to reprimand Wang in the hopes that all team members would get the message that deadlines were important. After he finished, what had previously been an open, frank discussion, became very quiet. No one spoke unless Tom specifically asked them. Tom noticed that this behavior continued into the next few meetings.

Scenario #2 Bernie Capian

Bernie works for an international corporation. To say that his rise in the corporation has been very swift would be an understatement, but then his father is on the board of directors. Bernie has been able to tap into the expertise and experience of those higher in rank because of his father's status. While his work is adequate, there are several others who are more creative, innovative and skilled in design who have not risen quite as fast. Jessica is one of these who has always preformed with excellent ratings. Previous bosses have raved about her design skills and innovative approaches. Both Bernie and Jessica have worked on GV teams, but Bernie has always found a way to coax other team members to help him complete assignments and look good. Jessica has always worked hard to complete her tasks and assist others as needed.

A critical, new GV team is about to be formed. You have been given the task of choosing a leader for the team. You must give reasons to submit to the board of directors who should be the team leader and why, Bernie or Jessica.