...Cultural Evaluation - Japan Andrea Midy, LaToya Young, Megan Masini, Walter Overton, Mona Laventure BCOM/275 March 3, 2013 Robert Balcerzak Cultural Evaluation - Japan Japanese culture is very diverse from that of American culture. Japan is a country with approximately 125 million people packed very tightly in a small area. By nature they are an introverted people and are generally not receptive to people outside of their culture. Much like in India, Japanese business relies heavily on loyalty and established relationships. Comparing Japan to that of the United States and how we interact culturally is like comparing apples to oranges. One of the biggest differences culturally is how we conduct business. In Japan, business cannot be conducted until after business cards, called meishi, have been exchanged. By contrast in the United States we often give business cards either at the start or end of a business meeting with no prescribed time frame. We often will make notes on our business cards, such as where or when we received and some important fact that we wish to remember about the giver. In Japan, it is unconscionable, to even think of writing on a card handed to you. Culturally, it is an offense to the giver. You must commit the name and title of the individual to memory in order to show good face and respect to the owner of the card. I wanted to show in the above comparison how different we are from Japan in our business dealings. They are very formidable...
Words: 511 - Pages: 3
...which Kelly was coming across. These problems are caused by the culture shock which is a common problem so this report tries finding the problems they met, and then give some advice, so it can help people who are working abroad to know how to solve these kinds of problems. Introduction Kelly is a programme manager for internet services company, her boss provided her an opportunity to work in Japan and had not provided training for her, she had no idea about Japan but in the beginning her family were glad to go there. When they arrived to Japan, she always displeased to her colleague and customers because she was lack of knowledge about Japanese culture, her husband could not find a job and her children complained their classmates who’s can not speak English. Kelly felt confused and disappointed, if it continues, she might lose her work. Case a. Explain the clashes in culture, customs and expectations that occurred in this situation As can be seen from the case “Kelly’s Assignment in Japan”, there is an instance which is the poorly managed and unprepared. There is a huge difference between Japanese cultures, custom and Western countries’. Primarily, the first problem she faced is that Kelly had never been to Japan before and she known nothing about the Japanese culture and...
Words: 1585 - Pages: 7
... if any, to take regarding his executive assistant, Mr. John Higgins. In Mr. Prescott's opinion, Mr. Higgins had been losing his effectiveness as one who was to represent the U.S. parent company because of his extraordinary identification with the Japanese culture. The Weaver Pharmaceutical Company was one of the outstanding concerns in the drug field in the United States. As a result of extensive research it had developed many important drugs and its product lines were constantly improved, giving the company a strong competitive advan¬tage. It also had extensive international operations throughout many parts of the world. Operations in Japan started in the early 1930's, though they were limited to sales activities. The Yamazaki Pharmaceutical House, a major pro¬ducer of drugs and chemicals in Japan, was the franchise distributor for Weaver's products in Japan. Export sales to Japan were resumed in 1948. Due to its product superiority and the inability of major Japanese pharmaceutical houses to compete effectively because of lack of recovery from war damage, the Weaver Company was able to capture a substantial share of the market for its product categories. In order to prepare itself for increasingly keen competition from Japanese producers in the foreseeable future, the company decided to undertake local production of some of the product lines. From its many years of international experi¬ence, the company had learned that it could not hope to establish itself firmly in a foreign...
Words: 3764 - Pages: 16
...important figure to the Heian period of Japan during the late 12th century and followed along with the idea of Buddhism and the continuation of Japanese styled art. During the development of Japan culture the Japanese went through many eras of changes in art and religion that led up and developed the Heian period. These eras were called the Jomon period which dated between 10,500-300 B.C. during this era clay ceramics were used especially in the northeastern portion of Japan, the Yamai period also used clay figurines. The Kofun Period was different because the “Government had developed centralized and could control the flow of resources from outlying regions to its center near Nara on the island of honshu”(Pearson Richards 5). They establishment of Haji made with a coil and slab technique. In the Asuka period they started importing three colored ware from china. However once Japan developed into the 8th century (Heian period) the establishment of dark color and green ware were seen in Japanese culture art work. Now what was the Heian period? There were to different era’s of this time the early Heian period and the late Heian era. The earlier stage of the Heian era is characterized by “attempts to the incorporate Chinese influence”(Shoten18). There was a distinct difference in the later Heian era regarding the style of the Japanese art. The works of the early Heian era were dominated by the iconography of Esoteric Buddhism. They were molded around the ideas of religion. It...
Words: 994 - Pages: 4
...Shirley’s marriage steady despite the fact that he always feels isolate and alone * Due to Scott’s lack of inclusion and self-expression within his family, he yearns for cultural group that will accept him. His personal context restricted his feeling of acceptance. This is shown through the strict conformist rules that Shirley and Lez impose on Scott when he dances | * Generational difference – May’s parents have a different view of belonging to American culture. They feels as if they belong more strongly to the Japanese culture which is why they decided to move back to Japan and teach may about Japanese culture. * May and her parents have different perceptions of belonging due to generational difference. This is shown in the image of May outside the front of her house with her mother on the inside (Mis en scene and proxemics). This shows that May’s mother does not feel as if he belongs in the American culture, he is scared of the American society and culture and is physically placing a barrier between the culture and herself. * May’s sense of belonging is contrasted to that of her parents as she has a good and...
Words: 3043 - Pages: 13
...INTRODUCTION The case introduces us to Ken Morikawa and John Sinclair, two employees of a Japanese manufacturing plant under construction in Georgia. John Sinclair, the Personnel Manager, is keen to hire a Japanese professor to “translate their corporate philosophy”. The real question is – Can a corporate philosophy simply be translated? Will it be understood in its depth and entirety when simply converted from Japanese to English? The case does not merely deal with language. It deals with the crux of a company’s philosophy – its culture. In trying to understand how to marry Japanese and American culture in business, both Ken Morikawa and John Sinclair visit Chiba International, a success story in this arena. Before we entail to analyze the methodology used by Chiba International and put forth our recommendations, we will first explain the generic differences between the cultures of Japan and America. CULTURAL ANALYSIS We can analyze the differences between Japanese and American cultures using Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: Japan Score: 54 A borderline hierarchical society. Business decisions are slow and must be confirmed by each hierarchical layer and then by Top management. Individualism Score: 46 Harmony of group is generally placed above expression of individual opinions. They are considered collectivist by Western standards and individualistic by Asian standards. Masculinity Score: 95 Japan is one of the most masculine societies in the world. There is a strong drive...
Words: 2698 - Pages: 11
...“A study about the effects of watching Anime to the study habit of high school students.” A. Background of the Study Anime is a type of cartoon but rather, it is complex, mature, broader, and even the animation drawing is on a higher level than that of a mere cartoon. Anime, which originated in Japan, is drawn by a “Mangaka” (artist) into manga (comic) drafts. These drafts are then rearranged, colored and synchronized by a hundred of staff. After the sequencing, a “Seiyuu” (Voice Actor) will give life to the character. One second of movement needs twenty-five to thirty-five drafts of drawing. Since it originated in Japan, most of the Animes shows the culture and hidden beauty of Japan, its technological advancement, friendship, love and student’s life, the Japanese way. Popular nowadays, Anime had touched the heart of many viewers. Some popular Anime such as DragonBall Z, Ghost Fighter, Naruto and Voltes V. This Animes had dominated the media industry in the past few years. Japan has a very unique culture. The Philippines, on the other hand, lacks that kind of culture, that is, its very own culture is made of by the mixture of cultures of other countries such as America, Spain and China. That is why many Filipinos are fascinated with such culture. Anime proposed amazing concepts and catchy storyline that is humorous yet fascinating. It also features some future ideas about what would take place in the future and what technological advancements can people expect...
Words: 2051 - Pages: 9
...and Gun. Culture and Technology. Which will rise? Which will fall? Will both of them rise or both of them fall?Assalammualaikum,a very good morning and minna!Ohayou gonzaimasu.Watashi wa Faridzul Zuhaili Bin Zinal Ariffin.Dozou yoroshiku onegai shimasu’ as it mean I am Faridzul Zuhaili Bin Zinal Ariffin in Japanese. Today,I will talk to you about something that will hold your interest on culture and technology which is the way for the Japanese to keep their culture with technology by using the technology for a convenience culture life,spread their culture through technology,and combine culture and technology in certain event. I bet all of you were thinking,”why is he talking in Japanese languange?”Well,today I will focused my speech on one of the most develop country in the word but still maintain their culture.But first,I would like to ask all of you something.Do you know what is ‘culture’?For your information,there are 2 type of culture which is Sub-culture and Social class culture.Sub-culture is a type of culture based on the country’s race or religion.Meanwhile,Social class culture is a type of culture that based on a person class such as low class,worker class,middle class and upper class.Most of people in the world misunderstood culture with tradition.Well,culture is culture and tradition is tradition.Ok,in your oppinion,what is the different between culture and tradition.Can I have a volunteer please?For me the answer is most of tradition are culture but not all...
Words: 1251 - Pages: 6
...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
...Business Culture in Japan “Different types of Corporate Culture” Michelle Hufman 20723 Submitted to Mr. Teruji Suzuki Date xx-01-2012 Academic Year 2011/2012 Semester: Fall «Japan's corporate culture is the product of uniquely Japanese social and Historical influences, so deeply rooted as to easily repel outside influences but Japanese corporations need to change their basic goals....» This essay will discuss nature of corporate culture in Japan, and why change is needed. Findings The Japanese business culture has been described by Beedham as a Culture that acts like a clan, in that there is a large amount of authority given to the man at the top, and in the commitment that is shown by the people around him, beedham points out that this can be evident in the way that their car factories, investment banks and government ministries are ran. This clan-like-behaviour has the effect of making decision making painfully slow, With compromises having to be met in all directions, but this is starting to Change, as the people of Japan are starting to change and have different priorities. These changes can be put down to several factors that are changing in Japanese society as a whole. The increasing and speeding up of urbanisation is one way in which corporate culture is being changed. Because of this urbanisation there is less commitment to groups as people become more individual and have their own priority in life. Marriage and family ties are also starting to loosen. Links...
Words: 1837 - Pages: 8
...The Cost of Doing Business in America and Japan A manager or company has many factors to consider when deciding to conduct business internationally. Besides being sensitive and respectful to the foreign country’s culture, one must also be cognizant of how the culture influences the cost of doing business. To illustrate this point, consider the following scenario of countries A and B: Both countries [A and B] are characterized by low labor costs and good access to world markets. Both countries are of roughly the same size (in terms of population) and both are at a similar stage of economic development. In country A, the education system is undeveloped, the society is characterized by a marked stratification between the upper and lower classes, the dominant religion stresses the importance of reincarnation, and there are three major linguistic groups. In country B, the education system is well developed, there is a lack of social stratification, group identification is valued by the culture, the dominant religion stresses the virtue of hard work, and there is only one linguistic group. Which country makes the best investment site? Country B does. The culture of country B is supportive of the capitalist mode of production and social harmony, whereas the culture of country A is not. In country A, conflict between management and labor, and between different language groups, can be expected to lead to social and industrial disruption, thereby raising the costs of doing business...
Words: 1363 - Pages: 6
...Ichi Ban Heavy Industries in Japan. For several months LaJolla Software Inc. executives were targeting several Japanese firms for a joint venture that would permit the company to distribute its famous "S-4" supply chain management software in Japan and, perhaps, throughout much of Asia (O'Rourke, 2010, p. 293). The fax explained that the multiple stakeholders of Ichi Ban have an interest in a joint venture with La Jolla Software Inc. However, before proceeding, Ichi Ban will send Kazushi Yakura and a team of eight managers from Ichi Ban to visit LaJolla. While Yakura will leave in a few days, the team of eight managers will remain in the United States until we have reached an agreement. We have limited information regarding our visitors; age, education, prior work experience, and job titles is all we know. We do not know how long the transition team will be in the United States, because we do not know how long it will take to reach an agreement. We do not know how much English, if any, they know, or if they will have a translator. Since we don't have access to this information our ability to maintain cultural sensitivity (O'Rourke, 2010) will be imperative to our success. There are two key issues in this case study I feel are important for La Jolla software to consider in order to achieve their objective. First, we must be conscientious of Japanese culture and customs. "Research has shown that failures in an overseas business setting most frequently result from an...
Words: 1265 - Pages: 6
...toward increased productivity and company growth. Okuda exercised his power by delegating responsibilities and motivated the employees through performance driven promotion to achieve the company’s objective. Answer 3: Leader – Member Relations would be appropriate for this situation. It’s not always right to handle each follower in same fashion and leader needs to keep this in mind. If Okuda would use this theory, he would have earned respect, trust and confidence which would have motivated the employees to adapt to his working style. But Hiroski Okuda was using Leader Position Power style. He had the authority and was influencing toward various aspects like hiring, firing, promotions and disciplinary actions. He changed the culture of Japan and Toyota, which lead him to lose his position as a president in Toyota. Answer 4: As per the contingency theories of leadership Path-Goal model describe Hiroski Okuda’s leadership style. To support the answer few points have been mentioned below:...
Words: 672 - Pages: 3
...attitudes toward implementing U.S. personnel policies in the Japanese operations? Answer Based on the case study, it is shown that Prescott emphasize greatly on applying the U.S. policies into the Japanese company operation while Higgins prefer to follow the Japanese working culture. Although Higgins’s and Prescott’s are doing well with their job it's just a matter of time when disagreement occurs between Higgins and Prescott since they both have different thinking and own ideas. Furthermore, Prescott wants every employees inside the company to follow the company policies which was setup by the parent company which was located at US. However, Higgins refused to follow the policies as he find the best way to deal with the operation is following the Japanese culture. This is caused by the difference in culture between the working environment of U.S. and Japan. In Japan, they are classified as High-context culture. High-context culture is focus much more on group development. This context is important as what actually said and what is not being said can carry more meaning than what is said. In the U.S., they are classified as Low-context culture. Low-context culture focuses more on individual development. It is the information that contained explicitly in words that what is said is more important than what is not said. Question 2 What are the major reasons for the differences in attitude? Differences in Culture The cultural differences are the reasons for the differences...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
...Higgins, his executive assistant, was losing effectiveness in representing the U.S. parent company because of an extraordinary identification with the Japanese culture. (Japan is shown in Map 2.5.) The parent company, Weaver Pharmaceutical, had extensive international operations and was one of the largest U.S. drug firms. Its competitive position depended heavily on research and development (R&D). As an integral part of its growth strategy, Weaver actively entered the Japan market and subsequently captured a substantial market share. To prepare for increasingly keen competition from Japanese producers, Weaver and Yamazaki established a jointly owned and operated manufacturing subsidiary to produce part of Weaver's product line. Through the combined effort of both parent companies, the subsidiary soon began manufacturing sufficiently broad lines of products to fill the general demands of the Japanese market. Imports from the United States were limited to highly specialized items. The company conducted substantial R&D on its own, coordinated through a joint committee representing both Weaver and Yamazaki to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts. The subsidiary turned out many new products, some of which were marketed successfully in the United States and elsewhere. Weaver's management considered the Japanese operation to be one of its most successful international ventures and felt that the company's future prospects were promising, especially given the steady...
Words: 1577 - Pages: 7
