Assume your organization has given you the task of preparing employees in your c

Question

Assume your organization has given you the task of preparing employees in your company for success working in a foreign country. Determine which foreign country you will choose. Write a cultural preparation report for potential employees that includes the various cultural views in that country regarding:

Hierarchy and decision-making processes;

Types of conflicts that may be encountered;

Preferred managerial qualities;

Privileges and/or favoritism as it relates to sex, religion, class, or status;

Ethnicity and gender issues;

Customs that may have an impact on the organization’s way of doing business;

Particular behaviors to avoid.

Remember that countries typically include many cultures.

Explanation / Answer

Chosen Country – Japan

Based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, Japan is a nation characterized by moderate power distance, moderate individualism, highly masculine society, high uncertainty avoidance and high long-term orientation.

Hierarchy and decision-making processes: Japanese business culture is characterized by distinct hierarchies. Japanese are firm believers of the notion that one should portray his actions based on the status and power one has. One should never go beyond the scope of his power and status. The hierarchy is based on the consensus and cooperation of team as a whole. Decision making process is a top-down process where the major responsibility of decision-making is on the top management. The decision flows from layer to layer, requiring affirmation from each layer and hence, decision making is a cumbersome and time-consuming process in Japan.

Types of conflicts that may be encountered: Japanese try to keep their personal feelings aside and try to have composure at work. Japanese never tend to show their emotions at a public place or work. If they are angry or in times of a conflict, they will humbly fall silent. Conflicts within groups are resolved through hierarchy. The Japanese are very loyal to their group. An enemy of the group becomes their own enemy.

Preferred managerial qualities: Japanese work in a collaborative work environment. A Japanese manager often wants to discuss the performance of his subordinates. He likes to give frequent feedbacks. Decision is taken by a consensus and hence, is a long time-consuming process.

Privileges and/or favoritism as it relate to sex, religion, class, or status: Japanese rarely show favoritism at work based on person preference as the Japanese like to keep their personal life and personal preferences aside. Workplace is thoroughly professional. Favoritism and giving preferences is considered unfair and unjust.

Ethnicity and gender issues: Japan is a highly masculine society. So the power is mostly in the hands of Japanese males. Gender equality is a problem area in Japan as the women there have to strive beneath the glass ceiling. In Japan, most of the people are Japanese. People from other ethnicity are usually the labor class who had migrated to Japan for work.

Customs that may have an impact on the organization’s way of doing business: Japanese are very traditional people. They are high risk avoiders so do not like any change. The age-long customs and traditions are highly valued and no reforms have been attempted on the same.

Business etiquettes in Japan:

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.