Premium Essay

Differences in Cultural

In:

Submitted By divasj
Words 1385
Pages 6
Cultural Differences between Japan and U.S. There are many cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan. Each country has their culture and lifestyle. While we may feel that Japanese cultural and lifestyle seems strange, they likewise look at Americans as being different. It is important to realize that Japanese and American culture is swayed by the society of people. Americans belong to a number of subcultures due to immigration, while Japanese society has less immigration and is not as diverse when it comes to subcultures. Since there are so many cultural differences between Japan and the U.S., we cannot discuss its entirety but review a few differences as it relates to the family, greeting, business, and government. First, the family structure is much different. In the Japanese culture, the man is the head and the wife services all of his needs first. While in American culture, the husband and wife are equal partners and share in responsibilities. The family structure in Japan is defined by tradition while the American family structure is free and family roles are chosen according to likes and dislikes of the family member. Japanese traditionally feel that a married woman’s place, especially older women, should be at home taking care of her husband and children. However, Americans feel that a woman can do both home and career and she is free to chose, especially since both partners are equal and share in responsibilities. Japanese are also known to take care of extended family and aging parents more so than Americans. They are less likely to place aging parents in Nursing homes.
The role of a Japanese mother is to raise the children because the father is expected to provide an income for the family. Because the father is away from the home working long hours, he has less interaction with the children. Japanese mothers develop strong ties with their

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Cultural Differences Introduction Cultural diversity is the norm in today’s workplace. If you work for a large corporation, you most likely deal with people from various backgrounds and countries all day long. It is a difficult enough situation to have such cultural diversity amongst your peers but if you are a manager facing these demographics, you really face the challenge of learning the make-up and background of your team. In order to be an effective leader you will have to use various management styles as every team has different personality types, however, you will also have to be sensitive to and educated on what the cultural differences on your team are and how to tie it all together. Relationship building within your teams and reaching a diverse group with effective communication is a daunting challenge but necessary for success in today’s workforce. Millennials are the most ethnically and racially diverse generation ever in the history of the U.S. One out of three or thirty percent of Millennials is ethnically or racially diverse (Blain, 2008). The workforce is getting more and more diverse requiring effective communication, tolerance of others, and education about cultural differences. This paper will take a closer look at the cultural differences in Hofstede’s Five Dimensions between the United States and India. Cultural Differences in Hofstede’s Five Dimensions The workplace is getting more challenging to manage but Dr. Geert Hofstede and his Five...

Words: 1676 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Cultural Differences Christina Bacon Psych/535 March 16, 2015 Cindy Ojeda Cultural Differences There are different cultures that come into people’s lives and into the United States every day. Different cultures is what makes the world an interesting place to live, whether it be a person’s gender identity or their cultural identity, people tend to judge others on their gender and their cultural identity. This essay will discuss the multicultural concepts on both gender identity and cultural identity and will talk about understanding the cultural differences. Gender identity Dictionary.com (2015) defines gender identity as an inner sense of a person and whether or not they are male or female. This identity usually happens during early childhood and as a result of how the child’s parents raise them and the social influences that happen during puberty by the changes in hormones. When children reach their teen years they start to feel differently about themselves, teens ask themselves if they were actually supposed to be female instead of male and vice versa, and when others hear about it then that is where the differences come from. In the transgender culture they are accepted because other teens and young adults like them have gone through the same things, but in other cultures they are looked down on. In our culture we are called transgender or homosexual or heterosexual, etc. but in the world of the Native American they are called two-spirits. According to Jacobs...

Words: 1382 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...MSc Management Cross-cultural Management module Cross Cultural Study of China and America Name of Student Name of Instructor Dated: Table of Contents S. No. | Topic | Page No. | Cross Cultural Study of China and America | | 1- | Introduction | 3 | 2- | Chinese Culture | 3 | 3- | Leadership styles and skills of China | 4 | 4- | Motivating others | 4 | 5- | Trust Builder | 5 | 6- | Talent retention | 5 | 7- | High Performance team | 5 | 8- | Management Style of China | 5 | 9- | The Guanxi | 6 | 10- | Individualism and collectivism | 6 | 11 | America’s Culture | 6 | 12 | Leadership Styles in America | 7 | 13 | Directive leadership | 7 | 14 | Participative leadership | 7 | 15 | Empowering leadership | 8 | 16 | Charismatic leadership | 8 | 17 | Management Styles of America | 8 | 18 | Ethical issues in cross cultural of China and America | 8 | 19 | Compare and contrast between China and USA | 9 | 20 | Conclusion | 11 | 21 | References | 12 | Introduction: This paper consists of cross cultural study of two developed countries named USA and China. These countries are well developed and exist in the major countries of the world. Both have an entire different culture in reference of behavior, leadership styles and management. China is the part of eastern countries and USA is a western country, both have entirely different environment and too far from each other. There are many roles that are involved in any organization...

Words: 3090 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Cultural Differences When deciding on which families I would look at when completing this paper I decided to look at my wife's family and my own. My wife's culture background is of Italian heritage, while my family is composed of Irish heritage. My wife's family consists of her father, step-mother an one sibling who is younger than my wife. Her parents divorced when she was 12 years old. She is full blooded italian. My family consists of my two sisters and my niece. My sisters and I are separated by three years difference, me being the middle child. My niece is my older sisters daughter. My parents divorced when I five years old and my father never played a role in our lives after the divorce. Our mother passed away from cancer in June 2008. When looking at the two families there are many similarities that we share. First is that we are all very hard working people. This I believe is a very common trait amongst the two cultures. My wife's parents continue to work well past their retirement years. She and her brother both have successful careers. My wife's family is a very proud family who look out for one another. They are always there for each other in a time of need. My family is also very successful in the careers they have chooses and are also a very proud family who are always there for each other. Another similarity between the two families is that we both have a common religious bond in that we are Roman Catholic. Growing up my wife's family as...

Words: 1068 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Cultural Differences In every culture, people work diligently to find a common ground for acceptance and tolerance. Typically, people are accepting of various social criteria that are oftentimes associated with a specific ethnicity. However, many individuals simply tolerate the beliefs, standards, values, and behaviors of other individuals in society while inwardly opposed to the model of the displayed behaviors of other individuals as it relates to another individuals beliefs, value systems, and other variables that influence how an individual functions in society. Individualism and collectivism is arguably two topics that are the subjects of continued debate and for that reason, this paper provides a comparison and contrast of individualism and collectivism. Additionally the paper provides a description of variables supporting the significance in understanding cultural differences as the differences relate to individualism and collectivism. The understanding of individualism and collectivism bridges the gap of understanding the similarities and differences between the two topics, provides a clear picture of various cultures, and facilitates sensitivity, and tolerance (Shaughnessy, Zechmeister, & Zechmeister, 2009). The ability to accomplish the sensitivity and tolerance portion allows for individualism and collectivism to be embraced and not feared.   According to Segall, Dasen, Berry, and Poortinga (1999) a society can have an increase of individualism and collectivism...

Words: 1079 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...judged? The answer to these questions would vary based on if ethnic hierarchy, one way assimilation, cultural pluralism, or group separatism were being discussed. Ethnic Hierarchy is when some racial groups think that they are better or held on a higher pedestal then other ethnic or racial groups. For example back in slavery times, African Americans were looked at the inferior racial group. One Way Assimilation is when an individual or group from another culture adapts to one dominant culture as well as that culture’s traditions of that society. The goal of assimilation is to have equality so that everyone can be on one accord. For Instance, many immigrants came from other parts of the world to America. They had to adapt to the American society. For example, when Chinese people came to the US they had to learn a second language. If they did not, no one would understand what they are saying when they start talking. One way assimilation allows everyone to communicate with one another without any miscommunication. Cultural Pluralism is completely different from the first two models of ethnic relations. In this model it states that everyone can be who they want to be, in other words it celebrates all the differences among different cultures. Group Separatism is known when ethnic groups remove themselves from the American society. They remove themselves to bond with other cultural groups from other societies. For example Afrocentrism, was a movement where the African culture was being...

Words: 604 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Cultural Differences

...Cultural Differences Hofstede (1984) have determined that Korea's culture is one of the most dissimilar cultures from that of the U.S. According to Hofstede, Korea can be characterized as follows: large power distance, authoritarian, collectivistic, and strong uncertainty avoidance. The U.S. is, basically, at opposite ends of the continuums associated with each of these characteristics. The U.S. has low power distance, is more participatory, is individualistic, and has low uncertainty avoidance. These types of differences have the potential to create conflict and, consequently, impact the level of trust and organizational commitment of managers confronted with situations involving managers from another culture. In the context of U.S. companies doing business in Korea, conflict may occur over such issues as how decisions are made, perceptions of what makes for appropriate relationships, and how authority is to be handled (Chung and Lee, 1989). These conflicts can, consequently, result in lowered trust and less organizational commitment. Organizational Commitment According to Sommer et al., (1996), organizational commitment is the construct most often researched to explain employee attachment or loyalty to an organization. Even though various terms have been used to describe the different elements of organizational commitment, most researchers agree with the three dimensions proposed by Mowday et al., (1982). These are "identification" as a proud member of the organization, "involvement"...

Words: 823 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Cultural Difference

...RUNNING HEADING: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES University of Phoneix September 23, 2013 Dr. Victoria Anyikwa Culture refers to a set of shared values, beliefs, and norms held by individuals of a group. Culture includes customs, material artifacts, and language that is transmitted from generation to generation. In the United States alone, there are several cultural differences. People do not dress the same, have the same religion, people have different perceptions of the world around them, have different languages, and also have different ways of expressing their personality. Differences between individuals within a culture are much greater than differences within groups. A person's belief, personality, sexual preferences, social standing, education, among other factors affect human behavior and culture. Recognizing and understanding differences in cultural patterns provides a framework for interpreting goals and behaviors of others. The purpose of this paper is to analyze religion and sexual identify/ orientation and point out their significance in understanding cultural differences. Religion Religions throughout the world are distinct in differences and relationship, with some having faith in saints, some in sacrifices and some in multiple gods. Religion is observed throughout the world in unlike traditions in few factors or other and can affect an individual’s behavior in his or her own tradition. According to Santrock (2010), people in numerous traditions will carry...

Words: 1207 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...4 Cross Cultural Issues in Business" from Anti Essays, your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. Japan There are many advantages in a company seeking to expand into the Japanese Market, it is one of the world’s large economies.   There are also cross cultural issues in an American Company marketing to Japanese Society.   A company can very easily “make it” or “break it” if not sensitive to the culture and etiquette in their marketing strategies.   The Japanese Culture is ancient and full of traditions that make up why someone of this descent may act or carry themselves in a certain way.   This would also affect the decisions an individual makes regarding product selection.   A commercial that is attractive to an American housewife may not be attractive to a Japanese housewife.   A few of the differences in American and Japanese culture are importance of hierarchy, group harmony, using certain numbers   in advertising and language barriers. Cross Cultural Issues Hierarchy is highly respected in Japan personally and professionally, yet in America hierarchy exists but is not held to as high of standards or tradition.   This is so engrained in the Japanese Culture that children even refer to their senior and junior classmates with specific names.   Personally this hierarchy is based on age, the eldest would be seated at a place of honor at the dinner table and be the first person to start eating.   The significance placed on hierarchy can cause issues...

Words: 689 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Cultural Differences between Gay & Straight Marriages There shouldn't be a such thing as gay marriage or straight marriage. Getting married should be ambiguous regardless of the genders of each party. Equal rights should be achieved in that anybody could get married. If homosexual people were allowed to marry, there is no way this would affect how straight people get married; it would just allow more couples in love to show that through the government. Would it hurt straight marriage, maybe not, but that should not be the question, so much as would those who oppose gay marriage or gay anything be allowed to oppose it once it was legalized. Not too many years ago, it was not legal for two men to have sex with one another and it was listed as a mental illness as well that was to be treated, not accepted as good. The real question then should be, is gay marriage good for the nation and for children? We already know that divorce and single parents raising children are not good (though not technically bad either and each case varies) for either. With no parents to guide children we have seen crime rates rise, suicide rise, confusion of identity arise, the decline of the public school system, increase cost in welfare, blended families where research has shown that abuse is higher. When two dads or two moms split, who gets custody of the children? If a pastor refuses to marry two gays, will he or she be accused of a hate crime and fired or placed in prison for following...

Words: 617 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Greek Cultures Government Geographical Terrain Economics and Trade Practices Art and Architecture Philosophical and Religious Beliefs City-states • Largest: Athens (Sayre, 2013) • Ruled by Democracy (Sayre, 2013) Three Social Classes: • Upper class (Sayre, 2013) • Middle class (Sayre, 2013) • Lower class (Sayre, 2013) Greek Islands were in the Southeastern corner of Europe, and were divided into two peninsulas (Ancient Greece Geography, 2012). Mountainous terrain and rugged coastlines, which offered good protection, but made it difficult for communication and trading (Ancient Greece Geography, 2012). Greeks attempted sophisticated economic analysis. They made and traded in both local and long distances, and had money to do so (Sayre, 2013). Because of the mountainous terrain, city-states used trade by sea (Sayre, 2013). The economy was focused on importing goods due to poor soil quality (Sayre, 2013). In 6th Century B.C, commerce and craftsmanship were developed (Sayre, 2013). Because the lives of the Greeks were dominated by their religion, their temples were by far the largest and prettiest (Sayre, 2013). The Greeks made three individual architectural systems, which were called orders, and each one had its own unique size and detailing (Sayre, 2013). Three orders: • Doric • Ionic • Corinthian This Parthenon belongs to the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena Parthenos, and belongs to the Doric order (Sayre, 2013). This...

Words: 1251 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Cultural Differences

...Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam bibendum tortor vel dui gravida dignissim. In tincidunt libero nec magna condimentum hendrerit. Aliquam ut ipsum semper odio venenatis ultrices. Ut sed diam eget nisi pharetra luctus non eget tortor. Proin tristique porttitor nulla vitae iaculis. Aliquam mi arcu, dignissim eu placerat a, scelerisque at nisi. Vestibulum cursus suscipit erat ut elementum. Nullam et turpis et magna feugiat consequat quis a tortor. Cras nec metus neque. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Duis velit nibh, lobortis id luctus quis, pellentesque at lorem. Suspendisse potenti. Phasellus vestibulum, odio eget blandit venenatis, mi purus dapibus urna, eget feugiat libero nulla id est. Morbi nisi metus, viverra ac sodales et, accumsan id nisi. Morbi lorem nunc, lobortis vitae consectetur vitae, dictum eu est. Sed consectetur risus in massa blandit vitae laoreet justo commodo. Duis a eros nec mauris pretium ultricies at non elit. Mauris varius tempus nisl nec iaculis. Aliquam quis dui vitae nisi volutpat fermentum non a justo. Cras sit amet nisi vel eros dapibus aliquet. Nulla in velit ut ante aliquet convallis. Proin at faucibus mauris. Aliquam quis ipsum mauris, a tristique purus. Suspendisse suscipit auctor leo, facilisis varius leo scelerisque id. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Mauris a ligula vitae...

Words: 352 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Cultural Differences

...A. Are people getting what they pay for at the gas pump? B. The 20 gas stations are giving people what they pay for. The amount of gas pumped will vary no more than five percent. 1. C. Randomly select 20 different gas stations in the area you live. 2. Drive to those gas stations. Put on your mask, gloves, and goggles. 3. Mark your graduated cylinder at 1893 milliliters/0.5 of a gallon. 4. Pour 0.5 of a gallon into a gas can to get the air out of the line. 5. Next, slowly pour the gas from the gas pump into the graduated cylinder until the gas pump reads exactly one gallon. Therefore, you will be pumping in exactly one half gallon of gas into the cylinder. 6. Record the level of gas in the cylinder at the bottom of the meniscus. Volume will be recorded in milliliters rounding to the nearest 5 milliliters. 7. Gas was poured from the cylinder into a certified gas container, and then subsequently poured into the vehicle’s gas tank. 8. Repeat this process at the selected gas stations. 9. Record data by writing the name of the gas station and the number of milliliters measured in the graduated cylinder. D. Title: Gasoline Retail Prices, U.S. City Average, 1974-1999 Author: Unknown Publisher: World Almanac and Book of Facts Copyright: 2000 Page number: 165 Volume: ¼ Edition: 1 Title of magazine: Sierra Title of article: Paying at the Pump Author of article: Hamilton, Joan and McManus, Reed Issue date: June 1993 ...

Words: 368 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Cultural Differences

...Culture encompasses the beliefs and behaviors of a particular ethnic or social group. “Mexican” culture mainly defines me. However, it has been influenced by the “American” culture I have been surrounded by extensively. Values define what is wrong or right within a group while norms are considered social rules and guidelines followed by this group as proper behavior. Having been born and raised in the border town of El Paso has taught me to appreciate both Mexican and American cultures in their similar and contrasting characteristics. Having Mexican roots, I was initially taught to speak Spanish. To the elders in my family, it is disrespectful to mix English with Spanish while speaking. It is referred to as “Spanglish,” like my uncle says. Although the majority of my relatives are bilingual, it is a norm to converse in one language only. The kitchen is probably the most important area of a Mexican household. Cooking brings families together during family reunions or special events and it is normally done by the female members. My mom would rather make us enchiladas as opposed to buying them because she conveys her care and affection through her cooking. It is common to place family above all else in the Mexican culture, and cooking reflects that to an extent. As children, my mother stayed home to care for my brother and myself while my dad worked. Consequently, we received much parental care and attention, which is not common in the American culture. As a member of the Mexican...

Words: 908 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Cultural Difference

...My choice of nursing A nurse, a health care professional who is engaged in the practice of nursing to assist the treatment, safety and recovery of acutely or chronically ill or injured people. Nurses can promote health, prevent disease, help and advocate patients, families within the community to cope with illness. A nurse should be able to speak, understand, and provide the appropriate care for people with diverse backgrounds. A nursing person can assess and identify the values, meanings, behaviors, and spiritual beliefs of people while considering their history, life experiences, social and physical environments. People can also find out about people’s ethnic background, religious preference, family patterns, food preferences, health practices and take this knowledge to deliver appropriate care to their diverse community. Positive health-related goals, plans, interventions, and spiritual practices can bring good outcomes. One day, I would like to be the one who works as a community health nurse and strive to provide the best possible care for my community, while continuing to learn about self and others. In order to provide appropriate Medicare and involved in medical support team, nice temper and flexibility in emergency situation are the mandatory characteristics to have to succeed in nursing profession. "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." said Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa shared the characteristics that all nurses possess. The meaning of the quote...

Words: 842 - Pages: 4