We propose solutions to two recurring problems in cross-national research: response style differences and language bias. In order to do so, we conduct a methodological comparison of two different response formats-rating and ranking. For rating, we assess the effect of changing the commonly used 5-point Likert scales to 7-point Likert scales. For ranking, we evaluate the validity of presenting respondents with short scenarios for which they need to rank their top 3 solutions. Our results -based on two studies of 1965 undergraduate and 1714 MBA students in 16 different countries -confirm our hypotheses that both solutions reduce response and language bias, but show that ranking generally is a superior solution. These findings allow researchers to have greater confidence in the validity of crossnational differences if these response formats are used, instead of the more traditional 5point Likert scales. In addition, our findings have several practical implications for multinational corporations, relating to issues such as selection interviews, performance appraisals, and cross-cultural training.ß

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Lack of creativity has caused a growing number of graduates to be unemployed in most developing and underdeveloped countries. Institutions have faced problems in enhancing creativity as well as assessing creativity quickly to initiate remedial programs. Most creativity measures require tedious assessment procedures and are time-consuming. A web-based assessment system will facilitate assessment anywhere with Internet connection. This research reports an intelligent web-based Creativity Assessment System (CAS) which provides instant feedback and information for further intervention in enhancing creativity and employability. It measures three most common dimensions of creativity vital for global competitiveness. They are Originality, Fluency and Flexibility. The validity of CAS was tested using university undergraduates. Scores were also hand-scored based on the manual to obtain the actual Fluency, Flexibility and Originality scores. Both sets of scores were correlated for each component to obtain the reliability indices and compared statistically using t-tests. The results show that CAS is a highly reliable and valid measure of these three components. CAS can help educators and curriculum planners design activities and content that will enhance students' creativity and subsequently their global competitiveness.

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Creative perception scores of 107 Malaysians on Something About Myself were compared with those of 912 American, 87 Indian, and 227 Hungarian students while creative perception scores of Malaysians on What Kind Of Person Are You? were compared with those of 671 Americans. Malaysians scored higher than other groups on Something About Myself while the Americans scored higher than the Malaysians on What Kind Of Person Are You? Cultural influences on performance may be inferred although markedly uneven group sizes restrict interpretation.