Global Business Culture Analysis: Japan
Charnequa Butts
Dr. John Karaffa
Liberty University
May 30, 2013
Abstract
This research paper looks into the cultural of the Japanese. The dimensions of culture to go over Japan’s history, religion, communication, and so forth, alongside Hofstede’s Dimension of Culture to determine the Japanese culture to that of the American culture. Also, this paper touches on the how business practices are conducted here in the United States and Japan. There were four questions that made up this research paper that helped to define culture, and how it impacts each country and there business practices. Those questions were: what are the major elements and dimensions of …show more content…
Hofstede’s Dimension of culture determines how a society is in managerial sense. Each dimension represents how close an individual might be to others, or whether or not the country is passive or aggressive. After reading the information and understanding, the study will then discuss Hofstede’s determination of Japan.
Hofstede’s Dimension of Culture Dr. Geert Hofstede, a Dutch management researcher is known for his study on cultural dimensions. He conducted a comprehensive study of how culture influences values in the workplace (Satterlee, 2009). In 1980, the Dutch management researcher Geert Hofstede first published the results of his study of more than 100,000 employees of the multinational IBM in 40 countries (Jandt, 2009).
In Hofstede’s original study data was collected from a large multinational business corporation (IBM) with subsidiaries in 64 countries (Bergiel & Bergiel & Upson, 2012). He developed four theories and later added a fifth one and the results of Hofstede’s research led to the development of his models of Cultural Dimensions: Individualism, Masculinity, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance, and Long-Term Orientation (Soare & Farhangmehr & Shoham, …show more content…
In the United States, as stated before business letters are direct and to the point, sending the receiver a clear and to concise messages as to what it is that they are inquiring or notifying that person about.
In face to face meetings business etiquette is important. Although, the Japanese are aware of Western culture in a business setting, it is important for very important that Americans in the situation understand what is proper business etiquette. In the United States, businesspeople greet each other with a firm handshake and also making sure that throughout the meeting eye contact is made. However, in Japan it is more traditional to bow than to shake hands as a sign of respect.
In every situation, the first impression is the most important for meeting someone that you may not know. For the Japanese first impressions are everything and a being understanding can determine which way the meeting will go. It is also important that when going into these meeting that a businessperson is sure to give a business card to everyone they meet (Bradley,