Management 335 Country Manager Training Paper
Management 335
Country Manager Training Module- Japan
Matt Hachey, Madison Brewer, Christie Charnetski
3/28/2013
Executive Summary
Japan prides its self on a hardworking, honest culture. Many individuals and businesses from around the world find Japan an attractive culture to work with because of their success in the global market place. It is said that they’re organized, dedicated and follow timely work ethics, these are some of the foundations to their success. Two common phrases that Japanese culture reflects are “war is work” and “live to work”.
These facts and figures on Japan will give you an idea on what the culture is like in Japan and how it positively affects their businesses.
Population: 127 million people
GDP: …show more content…
In regards to Power Distance, Japan has a moderate rating. Seniority and hierarchy are recognized within Japanese companies but they also consider the opinions of all of their workers, regardless of rank. They consider their co-workers to be almost on the same level of importance as their families. It is important for a manager to have positive relationships with all people working under them. Individuality in Japan is low, many workers look to fit into a group and look for guidance from higher ups within their companies. Companies in Japan are an extension of a worker’s family so bonds within those companies often consist of similar types of people working together. Masculinity is Japan is their highest rating on the Hofstede’s model mainly because males are considered to be the breadwinners in Japanese families. Japanese workers tend to “live to work” versus “work to live” and emotion is always left out of the workplace. Showing emotion in an office setting can be seen as a sign of weakness and thus males try to appear strong willed and confident at all times. Japanese are often described as workaholics and go through extensive training and long hours to get the job done, and a majority of the Japanese workforce is male, especially in an office …show more content…
Understanding the business culture in Japan is a must before traveling abroad. The Japanese find a handshake appropriate upon meeting. The handshake can be limp with little to no eye contact; staring is considered very rude. Along with a handshake a bow shows respect they will appreciate this and consider you respectful. The Japanese also similarly to Americans enjoy their personal space they do not like being touched. Lastly you must always be on time or earlier, punctuality is a must! When conducting business in Japan you must hire an interpreter. There are many benefits to having an interpreter such as allowing yourself to be able to speak your native language and most importantly you avoid costly misunderstandings that can not only hurt your business but your reputation. "Language is one of the common issues most Americans encounter when doing business in Japan. Do not expect to have a business meeting in English. Although English is spoken in many countries, it is not the case in Japan. You will rely heavily on an interpreter" (Ostrowski,
Country Manager Training Module- Japan
Matt Hachey, Madison Brewer, Christie Charnetski
3/28/2013
Executive Summary
Japan prides its self on a hardworking, honest culture. Many individuals and businesses from around the world find Japan an attractive culture to work with because of their success in the global market place. It is said that they’re organized, dedicated and follow timely work ethics, these are some of the foundations to their success. Two common phrases that Japanese culture reflects are “war is work” and “live to work”.
These facts and figures on Japan will give you an idea on what the culture is like in Japan and how it positively affects their businesses.
Population: 127 million people
GDP: …show more content…
In regards to Power Distance, Japan has a moderate rating. Seniority and hierarchy are recognized within Japanese companies but they also consider the opinions of all of their workers, regardless of rank. They consider their co-workers to be almost on the same level of importance as their families. It is important for a manager to have positive relationships with all people working under them. Individuality in Japan is low, many workers look to fit into a group and look for guidance from higher ups within their companies. Companies in Japan are an extension of a worker’s family so bonds within those companies often consist of similar types of people working together. Masculinity is Japan is their highest rating on the Hofstede’s model mainly because males are considered to be the breadwinners in Japanese families. Japanese workers tend to “live to work” versus “work to live” and emotion is always left out of the workplace. Showing emotion in an office setting can be seen as a sign of weakness and thus males try to appear strong willed and confident at all times. Japanese are often described as workaholics and go through extensive training and long hours to get the job done, and a majority of the Japanese workforce is male, especially in an office …show more content…
Understanding the business culture in Japan is a must before traveling abroad. The Japanese find a handshake appropriate upon meeting. The handshake can be limp with little to no eye contact; staring is considered very rude. Along with a handshake a bow shows respect they will appreciate this and consider you respectful. The Japanese also similarly to Americans enjoy their personal space they do not like being touched. Lastly you must always be on time or earlier, punctuality is a must! When conducting business in Japan you must hire an interpreter. There are many benefits to having an interpreter such as allowing yourself to be able to speak your native language and most importantly you avoid costly misunderstandings that can not only hurt your business but your reputation. "Language is one of the common issues most Americans encounter when doing business in Japan. Do not expect to have a business meeting in English. Although English is spoken in many countries, it is not the case in Japan. You will rely heavily on an interpreter" (Ostrowski,