Question

I read the case but I still don't understand it.

Read Case 4.1  "A Smile Is Just a Smile or Is It?"  . After reading, answer the following questions:

• Analyze the causes of Hun Lee's lack of success.
• Evaluate the roles that cultural stereotypes play.
• Identify and explain the attributional processes that may be operating.
• If you were Jerry Hirsch, how would you explain the situation to Hun Lee, and discuss what advice would you give him?

Answer 1

• WHat are the causes of Hun Lee's lack of success?

Although his intentions were good, Hun Lee came off as "too serious". He prepared very well for his interviews, but didn't think beyond the surface of things. He knew he wanted a job for the experience, but never took the time to offer the interviewers a glimpse of what he has to offer to the company in order to make himself look like he'd be a great asset to the company. Therefore, he displayed an unfriendly-like character and because he didn't speak much or try to sell himself to the employer, it seemed to them that he lacked initiative.

• Evaluate the rolls that cultural stereotypes play.  

Cultural stereotypes on the receiving end can be very hard to overcome. There are people who have a preconceived stereotypical view of a certain culture or ethnicity that can be hard to change. The subject of the stereotype may find it difficult and at times nearly impossible to change their minds and get them to feel any different. In Hun Lee's case, the interviewers may have been placing him into a stereotype. If this is true, than he had no shot at making them feel any differently because he conducted himself in such a smug, uptight and serious manner. He didn't give them a chance to get to know him, therefore he lost out on a job he really may have wanted, because they never got to know Hun Lee for who he really was.

• Identify and explain the attributional process that may be operating.

I think the attributional process that is operating in this situation is DISTINCTIVE INTERNAL because the interviewers see how he acts and assume he is this way all the time.

• If you were Jerry Hirsch, how would you explain the situation to Hun Lee and discuss what advice you would give him.

If I were Jerry, I would be open, honest and kindly frank with him. I would first point out that he did a great job preparing for the interview and becoming familiar with the companies he was interviewing for. I would then explain to him that in American culture, personality and friendliness are valuable personality traits to a company. People want to see the real person they are interviewing and want to know that they are going to get along well with the staff that is already established within the company. I would advise him to still prepare like he has been, but loosen up, smile, and prepare to conversate with the interviewer, and really try to sell himself as someone they would want working on their team.