You are an english speaking person starting a job in Japan for a large corportat
ID: 434322 • Letter: Y
Question
You are an english speaking person starting a job in Japan for a large corportation for a few years. Then you are moved to France to work for another few years. Compare these two countries work culture using this websites tool (https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/) then answer the following...
What is important to do to become a valuable team member if youre a foreigner?
How can you make it easier to adjust to these two different cultures?
Using the statistics from the website, how can interpret your Japanese colleagues better? Your French colleagues?
Explanation / Answer
Comparison of Work Culture of Japan and France using Hofstede Tool
Power Distance - France scores high on power distance implying power is centralized and hierarchy is maintained. Japan also has a moderately high score of power distance. It has a society which considers hierarchy but the rules are not very rigid and it depends on circumstances.
Individualism - France has a high score on Individualism, this means there is less interdependence in the society and the individual rely on themselves and their family. Japan has a low score on Individualism as societal and community goals are given priority. Since it is a small nation, a collective approach is preferred over Individualistic approach.
Masculinity - France has a lower score on masculinity showing they have caring culture and belief in quality of life. The features of masculine culture like power and competition are less important. Japan is high on Masculinity. It has a strong focus on competitiveness and achievement. Ambition and assertiveness is ingrained since early years in the culture.
Uncertainity Avoidance - France scores high on uncertainity avoidance thus has a planned approach. It avoids lack of clarity or uncertainity and making efforts for a secure future. Japan has a high score on Uncertainity avoidance which is evident in its scientific and technological approach towards changes.
Long Term Orientation - France scores high on Long term orientation meaning it belives in preparing for a future based on the changes and present situation and not much reliance on the past. Japan has a high score on long term orientation which is reflected in its modernistic approach. It has strong orientation towards future, growth and development.
Indulgence - France scores moderately on Indulgence thus it is not much inclined to a culture of enjoyment and relaxation. Japan has low score on indulgence as it shows practical approach, hardwork and professionalism is valued.
In order to become a valuable team memeber as a foreigner it is important to understand the culture of the host country. Understanding their perceptions, senstivity, culture and values helps in better communication and cooperative attitude. Seeing things as per their perspective will help in understanding their approach and working with them as a team. This helps in understanding their restraints and inhibitions, their likes and dislikes and building a mutually respectful work relationship.
It is easier to adjust to these two different culture by following their systems and approach towards hierarchy, planning, preference for working collectively or individually. There can be more occasions to understand their culture working together and explaining them the difference in my culture and their culture. By having a learning and understanding approach, it will be easier to adjust. Communication also helps in cultivating relationships and senstivity to cultures.
Japanese colleagues are very result oriented and have a modern approach. They are sincere and hard working. They have lot of value for teamwork and group welfare. They are excellent in planning and execution which brings lot of efficiency and productivity at work. They are futuristic in their approach and planning.
French colleagues have a mixed response to collectively working. They have consideration for hierarchy and centralized approach. But they prefer working independently and in their best capacity. They respect the organizational power and hierarchy and show professionalism at work. They have moderately indulgent attitude. They are good in planning and strategizing to avoid uncertainity and risk. They have respect for traditions but practice a modern approach by preparing well for future challenges.
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