Critical Incident

Read the following critical incident and choose the best possible answer. Explain why you choose it after discussing it with your neighboring friends.

Critical Incident #7

Christopher and his wife were sent to the Tokyo office of his company's joint venture partner for one year. Christopher really liked his new position; his Japanese colleagues were dedicated and interesting, his boss was extremely competent, and the office had a pleasant atmosphere. He had heard, though, that his Japanese colleagues were socially very conservative. Christopher was lucky enough to find an affordable home in a location about one hour's commute for him and convenient to shopping for his wife.
Christopher also enjoyed going out after work with his colleagues about twice a week. Each time he did so, he called home to tell his wife that he'd be late because he was going out "with the guys." She was unhappy, however, because Christopher's social life rarely included her. At one of the these outings for drinks, his older colleagues joked that Christopher was "tied to his wife's apron string." (The actual, more graphic expression means that he is "sat upon" by his wife.)
Why did Christopher's colleagues tease him about his wife?
 

  1. Because Christopher called his wife each time he went out with them. In Japan, men usually do not call their wives to tell them they'll be late.
  2. Because Christopher's wife was unhappy whenever Christopher went out with his workmates. In Japan, wives are not supposed to complain about anything their husbands do.
  3. Because Christopher found a home in a location convenient for her but not too convenient for him. In Japan, a man's job is of paramount importance, so couples normally live near the husband's workplace even if the location is not convenient for the wife.
  4. Because Christopher brought his wife with him to Japan. In Japan, men normally leave their wives behind if their foreign assignments are as short as one year.

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Write the chosen number and the reason(s) here.

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