Business Management

Assignment for chapter 5

1. Why was Reza so taken aback by her suitemate’s reaction to her?

Because after the phone conversation, Reza had developed an opinion of the suitemate because of the way she reacted to learning that Reza was from the Middle East. Even though neither had met yet, they both had predetermined ideas of the other and Reza was shocked at how her suitemate acted of her nationality.

2. What could she have done to improve her relationship with her roommate?

During the phone conversation, they both could have asked nice and respectful questions about each other to try to get to know one another before they became suitemates. By opening those lines of communication, it would help them both become comfortable with their differences.

3. We see that Reza is upset by her suitemate’s reaction. In what ways does she contribute to the problem?

The greeting she gave her suitemate was customary in Reza’s Lebanese culture. Know that her suitemate was already uncomfortable with her (due to the reaction during the phone call), Reza shouldn’t have greeted her that way. Since she was in another country, Reza should have adapted their customs and used that information to greet her suitemate. This discomfort was allowed to go on, because neither of them open lines of communication and really took the time to get to know one another.

4. While there may be some hurdles that Reza and her suitemate will have to overcome, what are some benefits of living with someone who is “different” from you?

Most of us will not have the chance to travel everywhere in the world. By living with someone “different” than us, it allows us a chance to learn about other customs and cultures. This will in turn reflect on our preconceived notion of have foreigners really are. It allows us to personally expand our horizons and learn so much more about other customs.

5. At this point, what would you do if you were in Reza’s shoes? Why?

I would go to...