Differences amongst the Japanese and the Americans are quite noticeable, especially when placed under Hofstede’s culture dimensions.
Power distance index: Japan’s power distance in higher than the American’s. Thus, explaining why the Japanese seemed quiet and hesitant, making Kelly (the boss) feel awkward.
Individualism versus collectivism: The American culture is described as individualistic, while the Japanese culture is described as collectivist. Thus, when Kelly asked the employees to do individual presentations, the Japanese were reluctant to commit themselves because they desired time to discuss it in a group.
Uncertainty avoidance: Japanese score higher than American’s in uncertainty avoidance. Thus, when Kelly asked them to present right off the bat, the Japanese were reluctant to commit because they were being asked to commit immediately, giving them very little time to prepare or assess the situation.
Masculinity versus femininity: Men and women are equal in the State, while in Japan (masculine culture) men tend to stand above women. This is exemplified when it is mentioned that the Japanese expected Kelly the new boss to be a man. In addition, during negotiation with a client, the client spoke to Kelly’s assistant instead of her, making Kelly feel confused.
Long-term versus short-term orientation: Japanese …show more content…
For starters, I would ask the home office to locate me and my family a Japanese teacher. A teacher that was capable of teaching my family and I to use basic words in daily life and Japanese culture, enabling my children to understand school better, spouse to make contacts easier, and me to communicate with my staff better. Next off, I would use the new knowledge gained to better understand and get to know my Japanese employees better, becoming friends with them to establish trust. Lastly, I would do some research as to what are the “Do’s and Don’ts” in Japanese
Power distance index: Japan’s power distance in higher than the American’s. Thus, explaining why the Japanese seemed quiet and hesitant, making Kelly (the boss) feel awkward.
Individualism versus collectivism: The American culture is described as individualistic, while the Japanese culture is described as collectivist. Thus, when Kelly asked the employees to do individual presentations, the Japanese were reluctant to commit themselves because they desired time to discuss it in a group.
Uncertainty avoidance: Japanese score higher than American’s in uncertainty avoidance. Thus, when Kelly asked them to present right off the bat, the Japanese were reluctant to commit because they were being asked to commit immediately, giving them very little time to prepare or assess the situation.
Masculinity versus femininity: Men and women are equal in the State, while in Japan (masculine culture) men tend to stand above women. This is exemplified when it is mentioned that the Japanese expected Kelly the new boss to be a man. In addition, during negotiation with a client, the client spoke to Kelly’s assistant instead of her, making Kelly feel confused.
Long-term versus short-term orientation: Japanese …show more content…
For starters, I would ask the home office to locate me and my family a Japanese teacher. A teacher that was capable of teaching my family and I to use basic words in daily life and Japanese culture, enabling my children to understand school better, spouse to make contacts easier, and me to communicate with my staff better. Next off, I would use the new knowledge gained to better understand and get to know my Japanese employees better, becoming friends with them to establish trust. Lastly, I would do some research as to what are the “Do’s and Don’ts” in Japanese