Discussion Questions
Chapter 6: Culture
1. The U.S. is considered lower in uncertainty avoidance. However, Americans are
becoming more and more reliant on technology to answer questions for them
(e.g., GPS, weather channel, public transportation apps). Is this just convenient, or
are we becoming more nervous about the unknown (i.e., higher uncertainty
avoidant)?
2. The three newer conflict management styles (i.e., emotionally expressive,
passive-aggressive, and third-party help) add a more nuanced understanding of
conflict. However, one criterion of evaluating theory is succinctness. Could these
three be grouped in the original five, or do we need them to be distinct? Explain.
3. LMX relationships are ideal; however, we still do not understand whether the
employee performance leads to the relationship or the relationship leads to
performance. Why is this so challenging for us to determine? What could we do
to figure out what comes first?
4. On her 30th birthday, Pat decided to throw a party and invite everybody she knew
to the festivities! She invited her family, friends, co-workers, church members,
community theater colleagues, and charity executive board members. She is a
little nervous about the event; but she has decided she wants everybody to meet
everybody else. How would anxiety uncertainty theory explain Pat’s
apprehension?
5. CAT is concerned with how we adapt our communication when we interact with
others. How has the nightly television news made its messages easier for people
to understand? How have they changed their approach to make the message more
universal for their broader, cultural audience?