Review of International Organizational Behavior by Anne Francesco and Barry Gold, and Coming to America by Eddie Murphy

In the review below, I relates concepts from the text book with scenerio or scenes from Coming to America movie. I used this write up for my Cross Cultural Management Class.

Concept One: Culture Shock

Chapter 1 (relates with culture shock on chapter 1 of the textbook)

a. Scene from Coming to America: Prince Akeem; when he first came to America (Queens, New York)
Akeem was shocked or amazed when he saw broken bottle dumped on American street. When he picked up the broken bottle on the street, he said that “America is great in deed, imagine a country that is so free that one can throw a glass on the street”

b. The situation is related to culture shock because he was fascinated with the fact that America is a free land where you can do whatever you want like throwing glass on the street. Another culture shock was depicted by Lisa and Darryl when two citizens of Zamunda bows and use Akeem’s hands to touch their foreheads.

Concept Two: Masculinity/Femininity

a. Chapter 2

b. The situation where women (bathers) bath Prince Akeem, and the King dominant role. Akeem’s lady-in-waiting or Queen told Akeem that “ever since I was born, I have been trained to serve you” Akeem asked her what she likes, and she replied that she like whatever he likes.

c. The bathers' role indicates that Zamunda (hypothetical country in the movie) is a masculine society. I expect a man to bath by himself regardless of his status. Do you think that it can happen in a Feminine society? Besides, how can a girl be trained specifically for the purpose of marrying a man in future; why can she be allowed to choose her choice husband at her right time?

Concept Three: Power Distance

a. Chapter 2

b. Helping the Prince to clean his teeth.

c. Zamunda has a large power distance culture; King Jaffe Joffer and his son (Akeem) enjoy high level authority and dignity. The men that clean-up for Akeem like brushing his teeth, drying his mouth and throat do not worry about the power distance, and are comfortable with their job.

Concept Four: Hierachy

a. Chapter 2

b. The administrative setting of the Palace (official residence of a King) with the audience (people of Zamunda) standing, Oha’s role ( head of domestic or palace workers), Queen Aoleon, and Prince Akeem

c. Anne Francesco and Barry Gold (the author) explains hierarchy as “the unequal distribution of power, roles, and resources is legitimate, and people follow the rules and obligations that go along with their roles. Oha has control over his subordinates, and he is responsible and loyal to King Jaffe, Queen Aoleon, and Prince Akeem. The royal throne is elevated with the King seating; Queen, Akeem, Semmi, and Oha standing close to him. The audiences were standing facing the King. The set-up or scenario depicted how the people of Zamunda values social power, authority, and wealth.

Concept Five: Achieved Status Versus Ascribed Status

a. Chapter 2

b. Akeem’s status as Prince of Zamunda, and as McDowell’s employee of the month.

c. Considering Akeem’s status as McDowell’s respected employee; he was loyal and dedicated to his cleaning duty, which led to his award as employee of the month. This explains that America is an achievement society where a person demonstrates his expertise in order to be recognized as an achiever. In contrast, Akeem has an ascribed status as a Prince of Zamunda. The culture attributes influence, status, and respect to Prince Akeem because of his royal heritage, and not because of his life or work achievements. Hence, Zamunda has ascriptive culture.

Concept Six: Haptics

a. Chapter 4

b. Oha communicating by clapping hands drawing attention of the Rose Bearers, and using it to open the automatic doors. Oha bowing to salute Akeem, and Akeem responded by bowing. One of Zamunda citizens met Akeem in New York, squats, bows, and shakes hands to salute, or greet him.

c. Haptics is related to the situation because clapping of hands involves contacts between two palms. Besides, the situations relates to a form of non-verbal communication explained as Haptics in the text book.

Concept Seven: Stereotype

a. Chapter 4

b. Patrice, Akeem, Lisa, and Darryl were watching basket ball game. Patrice advice Akeem to put off his jacket, and he did; Darryl ask Akeem if he now feels better with the jacket off, and he answered; yes! Darryl said “wearing cloth must be a new experience”. Darryl then said (directing the question to Akeem) “what type of game do you all play in Africa? Chase the monkey?” and he laughs.

c. The situation is related to stereotype because Darryl had a negative stereotype about Africans that they do not wear clothes or play any team game. This was reflected in his choice of words stated above.

Concept Eight: Organization Citizenship Behavior (OCB)

a. Chapter 9

b. Akeem used his mopping stick to attack thieve that invaded McDowell’s restaurant (his place of work), and he was victorious. Semmi also assisted him.

c. It is related to OCB discussed in the text book as one of the things that employee does for the organization that are not formally part of the job. This shows how Akeem’s commitment to the organization influenced his behavior.

Concept Nine: Organizational Identification (Cox's Model)

a. Chapter 10

b. Akeem told Lisa at work “ when you think of garbage, think of Akeem”

c. The statement and/or scenario are related to Organizational Identification which is one of Cox’s six dimensions used to analyze organizational capability for effective integration of cultural diverse employees. Akeem demonstrates feeling of belonging, loyalty, and commitment to the organization.

Concept Ten: Traditional Authority(Weber's Theory)

a. Chapter 11

b. King Jaffe Joffer

c. The character is related to traditional authority because King Jaffe exercise his authority based on the traditions and legitimacy status accorded or given to him by the people of Zamunda. Most leaders in a monarchical system of government have traditional authority. For example, the last emperor in China.

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