Question

Edwin Lee leads a cross-functional product development team at Lightspeed.com, a software company with employees in 10 countries around the world. The members of Edwin's team are hard-working and highly creative, but he wonders if there are ways to stimulate more innovation from the team. As the company has grown, so too has the bureaucracy. Numerous rules and policies have been introduced, and decision making has become highly centralized. This has resulted in resource limitations and tight project deadlines. Fortunately, with the use of web cams and other Internet technology, Edwin is able to hold frequent meetings with his global cross-functional teams. And despite some structural limitations, the company's culture does seem to foster creative solutions. Diverse opinions are encouraged, and even the most unrealistic, ""off-the-wall"" solutions are accepted without criticism. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities—a good thing, since there have definitely been some mistakes!

Which cultural variable relates to the acceptance of diverse opinions at Lightspeed?
A) acceptance of ambiguity
B) tolerance of the impractical
C) tolerance of risk
D) tolerance of conflict

Answer 1

The cultural variable that relates to Lightspeed's acceptance of diverse opinions is 'tolerance of the impractical,' which nurtures a culture conducive to innovation and creativity in their global teams.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acceptance of diverse opinions at Lightspeed, which is critical for fostering creativity and innovation within cross-functional teams, is best described as tolerance of the impractical. This cultural variable is evident in how the company's culture is supportive of a wide array of ideas, including the most unconventional or 'off-the-wall' solutions, without immediate dismissal or criticism. Such a culture is essential in today's rapidly changing workplace where flexibility, problem-solving, and a collaborative approach are key for keeping pace with technological advancements and globalization. By embracing diverse perspectives and encouraging risk-taking within a supportive environment, Lightspeed is creating the conditions necessary for innovation to flourish, even within a structure that may have bureaucratic constraints.