2.1 Devotion: Biblical Perspective
- Read the following passages in your Bible:
. Matthew 5:21–22, 27–28, 31–32, 33–37, 38–42, and 43–48
a. Matthew 6:20–21 and 31–33
b. 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 - After reading, think about how you would answer the following questions:
. In the Matthew passages, you see just a few ways that Christ says the values of believers will be internalized as compared to the external norms established by societies. What are some of these differences?
a. In 2 Corinthian 6:14–18, Paul tells those who have believed in Christ that they are different. In what ways? What is his point?
b. 1 Corinthians 8 is a challenge for those who live in other cultures who have expectations of Christians (that may not even be correct). Why?
2.2 Discussion: Power Distance (Part B) - Review the video “10 Minutes with Geert Hofstede on Power Distance.”
- Review the Power Distance file.
- By the end of this workshop, respond to two of your classmates.
. Consider the validity of their assertions related to high and low power distance.
a. Evaluate the descriptions, examples, and characterizations provided in the posts of your classmates.
b. Offer alternate perspectives and provide additional clarifying commentary to add to the discussion. - Each response should be at least 150 words.
2.3 Discussion: Individualist/Collectivist Assessment (Part A) - Complete the Are You More of an Individualist or Collectivist Self Assessment. (I got Collectivist)
a. You will obtain an evaluation for individualism or collectivism. Save a copy of your results. - Navigate to the discussion below and post a substantive response to the following questions:
a. Did your self-assessment reveal a higher score for individualism or collectivism? Share your scores for each.
b. Do you believe that this assessment is an accurate reflection of your sense of individualism and collectivism? Why or why not?
c. What do your results indicate about the manner in which you were raised and the attitudes within your family on the values of individualism and collectivism?
d. Assume you are a manager within a multicultural workplace environment such that the backgrounds and upbringings within your work group are varied. What actions might you take to develop a cohesive team characterized by “individual commitment to a group effort,” as described in the quote from Vince Lombardi? - Your initial response should:
a. Be 200–300 words in length
b. Include a minimum of two properly cited references. For questions on APA style, go to the APA Style Guide.
2.4 Discussion: SWOT Analysis (Part A) - Download the SWOT analysis template.
- Complete a SWOT analysis on yourself.
2.5 Assignment: ACER Case Study - Read the articles “MarketLine Industry Profile: IT Services in South Africa” and “MarketLine Report: ACER Incorporated.”
- Watch the video “Overwhelmed” by the artist Big Daddy Weave. This video is filmed in Tanzania, Africa, a collectivist culture.
- You will write a five- to six-page paper following APA style. For questions on APA style, go to the APA Style Guide.
- In your paper, address the following:
a. Develop a cultural profile of South Africa. Culture profiles are shown as beneficial tools to improve cultural awareness in global knowledge sharing and learning processes. Culture profiles describe cultural characteristics on different levels, such as national, organizational or individual characteristics. The concept is related to existing specifications and standards in order to implement an innovative concept in an interoperable way.
b. Describe the IT industry in South Africa.
c. What type of organization is ACER?
d. What strategy did the company ACER implement to enter the South Africa market? Was this strategy successful? Why or why not?
e. Are there additional alliances ACER could employ?
f. Discuss the importance of integrating a Christian worldview in South Africa, which is a more collectivist society than the United States.
