---
title: "Globalization and cross cultural issues"
subject: "Engineering Professional Practice"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_8/engineering_professional_practice:globalization-cross-cultural"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/globalization-cross-cultural
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Globalization and cross cultural issues

Engineering Professional Practice · Chapter 6: Contemporary Issues in Engineering

- Asked in: 2074 Magh, 4 marks; 2073 Bhadra, 4 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [The Effects of Globalization on Culture | Sociology](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbxp_AbSIZ4) — Sociologylearners
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/globalization-cross-cultural
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/chapter-6

## Question

Explain globalization and cross cultural issues.

## Short answer

Globalization is the increasing integration of economies and cultures through free movement of goods, services, capital, people and ideas, affecting engineering via international standards and competition. Cross-cultural issues stem from differences in language, time attitudes, hierarchy, customs and ethics; they are managed by learning about other cultures, clear communication and respecting core ethical principles.

## Answer

#### Globalization

Globalization is the growing integration of the world's economies, markets, technology, information and cultures, through the free movement of goods, services, capital, people and ideas. Its drivers are trade liberalisation (WTO), the internet and communications, fast transport, and multinational companies.

**Effects on engineering**

- Engineers compete and work internationally: Nepali engineers work in the Gulf, and foreign contractors and consultants work in Nepal.
- Technology, standards and materials are transferred quickly, and international standards (ISO, FIDIC contracts) are used.
- Projects use foreign finance, so procurement follows international rules.
- Risks: local firms may lose out to bigger foreign firms, jobs and skills may leave the country (brain drain), and local culture and the environment may be harmed.

#### Cross-cultural issues

When people from different cultures work together, misunderstanding and conflict may arise from:

- **Language and communication:** direct or indirect speech, the meaning of silence, body language.
- **Attitude to time:** strict deadlines versus flexible schedules.
- **Hierarchy and decision making:** respect for seniors, and whether juniors may question decisions.
- **Religion, customs and holidays:** festivals, food, dress and working days (for example, Saturday is the weekly holiday in Nepal, while most countries rest on Sunday).
- **Ethical differences:** gift giving, hospitality and commissions may be accepted in one culture but be bribery in another.
- **Work ethic and safety attitude:** differences in the importance given to safety, quality and punctuality.

**How to handle them:** learn about the other culture, respect differences, use clear written communication, give cultural training, keep the core ethical principles (honesty, safety, no bribery) in every country, and follow the laws of the host country.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Globalization is
   A. growing integration of economies, markets, technology and cultures
   B. isolation of countries
   C. only trade in goods
   D. local trade rules
   Answer: A. It is growing integration through free movement of goods, services, capital, people and ideas. (Key point: Meaning of globalization)

2. Which is a risk for engineering in a country like Nepal?
   A. Brain drain and loss to larger foreign firms
   B. No competition
   C. Fewer standards
   D. Less technology
   Answer: A. Local firms may lose to bigger foreign firms and skills may leave the country. (Key point: Risk of globalization)

3. Gift giving or commission may be acceptable in one culture but
   A. be bribery in another
   B. always legal
   C. not exist
   D. be required
   Answer: A. Ethical norms differ, so core principles like no bribery must be kept everywhere. (Key point: Ethical difference)

4. Best way to handle cross-cultural issues?
   A. Learn and respect the culture, communicate clearly, keep core ethics, follow host-country law
   B. Ignore differences
   C. Impose home customs
   D. Avoid contact
   Answer: A. Respect, clear communication and ethical consistency are the recommended approach. (Key point: Handling differences)

## Related in other subjects

- [PCM switching and three-stage crosspoints](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Ftelecommunications%3Apcm-switching-crosspoints-4x5) — Telecommunications, chapter 4