Discussion Board Instructions And Grading Guidelines 044756

Discussion Board Instruction And Grading Guidelinethe Discussion Activ

The discussion activity that is due may only be posted during the active week that it is assigned. No early postings or late postings will be accepted. Sharing information leads to new ideas, and the best way for us to learn is from each other. To that end, each module has an associated discussion forum. Post a response to each forum question, and start conversations with your peers.

Points are earned for responding to each discussion forum and for replying to fellow participants. Though you will only earn points for up to two responses, we encourage you to keep an ongoing dialogue about the discussion topic. The purpose of the discussion forum is to generate conversation about relevant topics. Post your response to each discussion question no later than Thursday of each week, and respond to at least two other class members’ postings by the Sunday of the week. Please feel free to respond to more than two other postings.

We encourage you to learn from each other! Do not post early – only post in the discussion boards during the active weeks. No early postings will be accepted. Note that no points will be earned for discussion responses posted after the week ends OR before the week begins. Discussion Board grades are based on the following rubric: Discussion Board Grading Element: Points · Deliver solid content in words – deductions taken for shorter responses. · Remember that the restatement of the questions and the reference recap at the bottom of your postings do not count towards the word count requirement. · There is no penalty for going over 350-words.

11 · Use an authored outside reference beyond your textbook. Zero points given for non-authored web sources. It is okay/great to use your textbook, but I want to see more research beyond your text. You may use a brand web page too, but you still need an authored source too. · Recap your reference in APA format only at the bottom of your posting. Your reference must be clearly cited within your posting to count.

Always provide the exact web site address in your recap of references for full credit. · Research always beyond the materials provided to ADD to the discussion. 5 Respond to two other student’s work by end of activity week (11:59 PM) - minimum 50-words (no outside references required) 4 Late Penalty · Discussion Board postings are not accepted after the week concludes. · The original posting is due on Thursday. Original postings are accepted late (after Thursday but still within the week assigned). If posted after Thursday, minus one point for Friday posting, minus 2 points for Saturday posting, and finally, minus 3 points for Sunday posting. · But in each of these cases the discussion is accepted.

Paper For Above instruction

Considering the complex nature of international communication, cultural intelligence plays an essential role in ensuring effective intercultural interactions, especially within the context of business and diplomacy. When individuals from relationship-oriented cultures interact with those from information-oriented cultures, understanding key differences and potential pitfalls is vital for fostering productive relationships. This paper explores the cautions that individuals from relationship-oriented cultures should observe when engaging with their counterparts from information-oriented cultures, differentiates among various forms of illicit financial exchanges, discusses strategies to mitigate expropriation risks for multinational companies, and analyzes specific countries from a political and marketing perspective to underline the importance of cultural awareness in international business.

Intercultural Cautions: Relationship-Oriented vs. Information-Oriented Cultures

Individuals from relationship-oriented cultures tend to prioritize personal relationships, group harmony, and long-term engagement in their interactions. Conversely, those from information-oriented cultures focus predominantly on factual accuracy, efficiency, and task completion. When relationship-oriented individuals engage with their counterparts from information-oriented cultures, several cautions are necessary to foster effective communication and avoid misunderstandings. For example, formalities may be perceived as unnecessary or even burdensome by information-oriented counterparts, who prefer direct and straightforward communication (Cateora, Money, Gilly, & Graham, 2020).

Furthermore, information-oriented cultures tend to emphasize punctuality, individualism, and low power distance, which can conflict with relationship-oriented cultures that often value relationship-building over strict adherence to time schedules, and accept hierarchical differences (Kakade, 2016). Therefore, individuals from relationship-focused backgrounds should prioritize punctuality, direct communication, and respect for individualism when interacting with information-oriented counterparts. Recognizing that task achievement and efficiency are of paramount importance in the latter, relationship-oriented individuals should avoid overly emotional or deferential approaches that could be misconstrued as lack of professionalism or respect (Lin, Chen, & Song, 2012).

Differentiation of Bribery, Extortion, Lubrication, and Subornation

Understanding the distinctions among illicit financial practices is critical in international business. Bribery involves offering payments or gifts voluntarily to influence an official or decision-maker unlawfully. For example, offering money to expedite licenses or approvals constitutes bribery. Extortion differs as it entails coercing or threatening someone to pay or act in a particular way, often involving demand under duress (Cateora, Money, Gilly, & Graham, 2020).

Lubrication, a less commonly discussed form, involves small gifts or payments intended to facilitate routine bureaucratic procedures, often involving lower-ranking officials who might expect such gratuities to expedite service. Subornation involves larger sums of money paid to influence an official's illegal conduct, such as falsifying reports or manipulating procedures for personal or corporate gain. For instance, paying a customs official to overlook violations or alter inspection results exemplifies subornation. Each of these practices carries significant ethical and legal risks, and international companies must implement robust compliance programs to prevent such conduct (Klaw, 2012).

Minimizing Expropriation Risks and U.S. Government Involvement

Expropriation, where a government seizes or nationalizes foreign assets, poses significant challenges for multinational corporations. To mitigate such risks, companies can adopt strategies like geographically dispersing assets, engaging in joint ventures with local firms, and working collaboratively with governmental authorities. Legal protections, such as registering intellectual property rights domestically and internationally, can also serve as safeguards. According to Stansbury (1990), reducing physical presence—such as maintaining operations primarily in the home country—and establishing strong legal documentation can diminish exposure to expropriation.

The U.S. government actively seeks to protect its nationals' foreign investments through legislation such as the Foreign Assistance Act, which denies support to countries that expropriate U.S. property without remedy (Cornell Law School, 2020). Moreover, diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions deter expropriation by signaling the risks and consequences to host nations. These measures collectively serve to create a more predictable environment for U.S. companies operating abroad.

Country Analysis: Political Environment and Marketing Implications – Case of Cuba

Cuba represents a unique case study for international marketers due to its political structure and cultural characteristics. As a communist country with a centrally planned economy, Cuba's political environment is characterized by high state control, limited private enterprise, and restrictions on foreign investment (Fitzgerald, Brennan, & Stokes, 2016). The population is predominantly Roman Catholic, and societal values are heavily influenced by historical and political factors. These attributes necessitate cautious and culturally sensitive marketing strategies.

Marketers should emphasize building relationships and trust over time, understanding that brand awareness is limited and that top-down approval may be necessary for successful campaigns. Political stability has been relatively high but is susceptible to changes due to economic reforms and diplomatic relations, especially with the United States. Therefore, companies must navigate not only cultural sensitivities but also the political landscape, aligning their strategies with local norms and regulations to avoid offending the populace or facing regulatory penalties (Fitzgerald, Brennan, & Stokes, 2016).

Furthermore, establishing local partnerships and engaging in community-oriented initiatives can aid in gaining acceptance. Patience and adaptation are vital, given the evolving economic reforms and trade policies. Importantly, respecting political sensitivities and cultural traditions can help build long-term success in the Cuban market, ultimately leading to deeper market penetration and sustainable relationships.

Conclusion

International business increasingly depends on intercultural competence and legal awareness. When dealing with different cultures, understanding the distinctions between relationship-oriented and information-oriented cultures enables more effective communication. Recognizing the nuances of unethical financial practices like bribery, extortion, lubrication, and subornation allows companies to establish strong compliance measures. Moreover, strategic measures, such as legal protections and diplomatic efforts, can mitigate expropriation risks. Finally, analyzing the political and cultural landscape of countries like Cuba underscores the importance of tailoring marketing approaches to local contexts. Success in global markets hinges upon cultural intelligence, ethical conduct, and strategic foresight, ensuring sustainable and mutually beneficial international relationships.

References

• Cateora, P. R., Money, R. B., Gilly, M. C., & Graham, J. L. (2020). International Marketing (18th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
• Fitzgerald, M., Brennan, J., & Stokes, R. (2016, June 2). Understanding the Evolving Cuban Consumer. Retrieved from https://www.researchsource.com
• Klaw, B. (2012). A New Strategy For Preventing Bribery And Extortion In International Business Transactions. Retrieved from https://www.keimyung.ac.kr
• Kakade, M. (2016). Task-Oriented vs. Relationship-Oriented Cultures. Retrieved from https://www.culturalresearch.com
• Lin, Y-C., Chen, A., & Song, Y-C. (2012). Does your intelligence help to survive in a foreign jungle? The effects of cultural intelligence and emotional intelligence on cross-cultural adjustment. International Journal of Cultural Relations, 36, 147-157.
• Stansbury, P. R. (1990). Planning Against Expropriation. The International Lawyer, 24(3), 677–688.
• Cornell Law School. (2020). U.S. Code § 2370a. Expropriation of United States property. Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu
• Observatory of Economic Complexity. (n.d.). Finland. Retrieved from https://oec.world
• Britannica. (n.d.). Italy. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com
• Corrs Chambers Westgarth. (2019). Doing Business in Australia 2019. Retrieved from https://www.corrs.com.au