Discussion Questions

Discussion Question for Week 1 and Module 1, related to “Japan’s Unique Toilet Culture” on pp. 87-88 of text (chapter 4)

Culture is the learned, shared, and enduring orientation patterns in a society and demonstrated by people through values, ideas, attitudes, behaviors, and symbols. How does the type of toilet used in Japan reflect the culture of its people-give a couple of specific examples? Why is understanding culture important in international business? (150-300 words)

Remember to read the posts of other students and post at least one substantive comment during the module period (100-200 words).

Discussion Question for Module 3, related to IBM Case

ANSWER ALL 4 PARTS (500-800 words)

1) What factors characterized the competitive environment that IBM faced in 2003?

2) Based on the stated objective of IBM leadership in the case to create a “Globally Integrated Enterprise” are these tools useful for IBM in its efforts at a WMI?

3) What things about IBM’s culture, history, values, organization and workforce offered support for creating a globally integrated enterprise? What things offered potential hindrances to the globally integrated enterprise?

4) What specific human resource management and human capital indicators suggested that a change was needed in how IBM approached its talent management decisions? If you were an IBM business leader, would you care about improving talent management at IBM? What would be the evidence you would probably be seeing that would cause you to desire an improvement? If you were an HR leader at IBM, why would you care about improving talent management? Are the answers for a non-HR leader and an HR leader the same?

Remember to read the posts of other students and post at least one substantive comment during the module period (100-200 words).