IKEA operates in a number of countries around the world. The governments and people in those countries may have different attitudes about working hours, diversity efforts, pay levels, and political and environmental activism. Should companies alter their policies and activities in a way that is sensitive to such differences?

Yes.

Explanation:

Companies that are operating on a world wide level know that it is important that they alter certain policies and activities to appeal to the country they are in.

As much as Globalization has taken hold of the World, to assume that culture is homogeneous as well would be quite far fetched.

Different countries and societies the world over still value things that are different from each other.

For this reason, companies have to adjust to these different actions and reactions in other to be profitable.

Can you imagine for instance a Clothing company trying to sell Bikinis in Iran or Saudi Arabia? They won't be very successful.

It is important however, that Companies do not lose the core of their Company in pandering to the Culture of the country they are in. That Core is what brought them thus far.