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Japanese Culture

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Japan- Cross Cultural Management Final
Located off the east of China, Japan is made up of a series of islands with rich culture and historical background. The Japanese people, dating back to as early as 4,500 B.C. have deep traditions that have evolved and adapted over the centuries. With ideologies, religion and business strategy’s much different from that in the western world, specific customs and traditions must be understood. Although the Japanese carry a great deal of respect in the business world, they can often be perceived as picky and difficult to deal with. This stereotype tends to cause alienation from companies doing business in Japan, when in reality their “closed off” and distant behavior is due to misinterpretation through a western lens. Being aware of the religion and history of the Japanese can help to not only better understand their culture, but to also strengthen business relationships and allow for a positive interactions between companies. The following paper will include a cultural analysis observing different dimensions of Japanese culture through Hoftede and Hall’s scales relative to other world cultures. The underlying beliefs, attitudes and values of the Japanese culture relative to that of the Western American culture. As well as their evolved and highly functioning socio-economic and political environment. Communication and openness to change can be compared providing information as to why the Japanese conduct business the way they do. The paper will also discuss the work and business practices of the Japanese. Specifically their work ethics, values, and norms, as well as their preferred management styles, team-work and attitudes toward authority. An analysis of Toyota, a successfully ran Japanese company, will be utilized in providing evidence behind their business practices and will give advice for anyone planning on doing business

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