...Cultural Evaluation Paper June 7, 2014 Business Communications and Critical Thinking Kris Dunn Abstract This paper will discuss identify the ways that arguments or a presentation of the arguments would need to be changed as the result of cultural differences in Japan. Cultural Evaluation Paper Having a good understanding of a particular culture before beginning an argument or a presentation is crucial. One should take the time to learn about the audience’s culture as well as the way that certain things, such as humor, can be perceived as offensive. Failing to do these simple tasks can result in a failed argument or presentation. In the case of the Japanese, it is important to understand and educate oneself in their strict customs. The better prepared one is the more likely their message will be received as intended. One of the most important things to know prior to meeting with someone from Japan is their traditional greeting technique. It is customary in Japan for someone who is of lower seniority to bow to their superior first. This is considered much more important than a handshake and is a sign of respect. Similarly, when gathering for a casual meeting, one should never introduce themselves. It is customary in Japan for the host to introduce their guests. In order to ensure that a good first impression is made, it is critical that one remember these points. According to the cultural training firm Roland & Associates, there are...
Words: 475 - Pages: 2
...Cultural Evaluation: Japan Cultural Evaluation: Japan There is a substantial difference between American and Japanese cultures. Both countries like any other countries in the world have their own rituals, culture, values that they follow with pride. In order to carry out successful business conversation, presentation or interaction of any kind, it is imperative to understand each other’s culture and follow certain guidelines to be successful. Care must be taken to ensure that for the sake of both parties involved, all types of confrontations must be avoided at all costs to safeguard the foundation of a successful and meaningful business relationship. (LeBaron, 2003) Any American or executive wishing to conduct business with any corporation in a foreign country must first try to form an understanding of the cultural aspects of the country. This statement becomes more critical with Japan because of the significant difference in what is considered acceptable behavior in the country compared to America. Japanese culture is based on the concept of honor and it is considered extremely important to give due respect to everyone despite the fact you may or may not agree with their thoughts. It is considered impolite in Japanese culture reject someone’s ideas out right since this would embarrass the person who proposed the idea. Observing all the common protocols serves as a demonstration of sign of respect for Japanese culture and is highly recommended for anyone wanting to do business...
Words: 509 - Pages: 3
...In 1859, The United States-Japan Treaty of Amity and Commerce came into effect (Dower 3), ending Japan’s long period of isolationism and bringing not only commercial exchanges in boomtowns like Yokohama but also cultural exchanges that would spark an artistic movement. The opening of the ports in Japan was a result of external pressures from other nations, including the United States’ president at the time, Millard Fillmore, and the Unites States Navy Commodore Matthew Perry. Upon doing so, the West was exposed to the beauty of the art of the Japanese ukiyo-e. The ukiyo-e became influential to the Impressionist movement in Europe which inherited several of its key components from the Japanese artists. To determine the extent of the importance...
Words: 1946 - Pages: 8
...Cultural Evaluation Learning Team A: Janice Davis, Kim Skeete, Lakeesha Morgan, Lanasha Wilkins, Charles Williams Professor: Mr. Shivers The University of Phoenix Cultural Evaluation Social evaluation in which you identify the ways that arguments or presentation of the arguments would need to be changed as the result of cultural differences in the country of Japan. Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation. ‘Noam Chomsky.' Self-expression should be done in an artistic way for the fulfillment of communication. Japanese business persons come up with resolutions based on the social value of Group frontage. Conclusions tend to be made by group consensus as opposed to Individuality. A foreigner who would desire to venture into business in Japan should not be pretentious as He or she is making advances in establishing a business foundation. Displaying a humanistic culture will be a great principle that will propel the business to greater heights. Strategic measures to observe as a business person for one to hit the expected set mark in the business recognize and apply the following aspects so that your message is communicated virtually, without embarrassing, intimidating, or offending the clients that are within your target. Speech clarity this calls for clear...
Words: 735 - Pages: 3
...Cultural Evaluation - Japan Andrea Midy, LaToya Young, Megan Masini, Walter Overton, Mona Laventure BCOM/275 March 3, 2013 Robert Balcerzak Cultural Evaluation - Japan Japanese culture is very diverse from that of American culture. Japan is a country with approximately 125 million people packed very tightly in a small area. By nature they are an introverted people and are generally not receptive to people outside of their culture. Much like in India, Japanese business relies heavily on loyalty and established relationships. Comparing Japan to that of the United States and how we interact culturally is like comparing apples to oranges. One of the biggest differences culturally is how we conduct business. In Japan, business cannot be conducted until after business cards, called meishi, have been exchanged. By contrast in the United States we often give business cards either at the start or end of a business meeting with no prescribed time frame. We often will make notes on our business cards, such as where or when we received and some important fact that we wish to remember about the giver. In Japan, it is unconscionable, to even think of writing on a card handed to you. Culturally, it is an offense to the giver. You must commit the name and title of the individual to memory in order to show good face and respect to the owner of the card. I wanted to show in the above comparison how different we are from Japan in our business dealings. They are very formidable...
Words: 511 - Pages: 3
...negotiating with a Japanese furniture manufacturer in order start a joint venture. Several problems occur. The first problem, lack of knowledge of Japanese people is an issue. The second problem, lack of knowledge of cross-cultural communication, is an issue. The last issue, lack of knowledge of the Japanese corporate culture is an issue. Analysis and Evaluation The first problem, lack of knowledge of Japanese people, is demonstrated when Tim showed his emotion of being very upset when he was trying to seal the deal. Tim raised his voice, moved in close, and become red faced. The people of Japan deem great importance on politeness (). The Japanese also deem patience as a personal virtue (). According to Linowes, eighteen percent of Japanese believe Americans respect the Japanese while thirty-one percent of Americans think Japanese respect Americans (). The second problem, lack of knowledge of cross-cultural communications, is demonstrated in many different areas. One is the business card exchange. Upon arrival to the airport the Japanese bowed and handed out their business cards. Tim forgot his business cards at home and therefore did not reciprocate the business card exchange including bowing. Tim simply placed the business card in his pocket which is viewed as defacing or disrespecting the business card (). Bowing, a customary greeting, shows respect via body language. The deeper the bow, the more respectful (). During the meeting of the Japanese and Americans...
Words: 309 - Pages: 2
...Cultural Evaluation Paper XBCOM/275 12/6/13 Rene Cintron Cultural is the characteristics of a particular group of people. The group of people can be defined by language, religion, cuisine, or social habits. The cultural in the US is called the western culture and was heavily influenced by European immigration. This culture’s roots come from the classical period of the Greco-Roman era and the rise of Christianity. The culture in Japan is called the eastern culture. The eastern culture and the western culture were both heavily influenced by religion during its early development. The culture in Japan has not changed much since its development in 660 BC. Japanese people are still extremely protective of their culture and their society. “One good way to make yourself unpopular in Japan is to quote studies that indicate the Japanese are descendants from immigrants from mainland Asia” (Morrison & Conway, 2006, p. 280). In Japan their government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitution monarch. This means that there is an emperor who rules the country. The current emperor of Japan is Akihito. Akihito has been on the throne since 1989. Akihito is extremely respected because in Japan people respect their elders to the highest degree. Therefore younger members of a team should remain quite during meetings. Younger members of the team are on the team to go out to social events at night and build relationships with other younger members of the opposite team. During...
Words: 457 - Pages: 2
...Interactions between North Americans and Japanese : Considerations of Communication Style The Summary Communication style has a very big impact on the dynamics of face-to-face encounters, that is, whether a conversation proceeds smoothly or by fits and starts, whether both continually interrupt each other or are both able to talk simultaneously without interrupting and whether their style of listening match. Differences in ethnic background coupled with those of communication style probably increase chances that implicit unverbalized matters will be overlooked or misinterpreted. To be able to understand deeper and more sophisticated effects of style differences can take years. In exploring such differences of “the other”, one cannot help but come to understand the cultural factors that have shaped one’s own style. In the communication between Japanese and Non-Japanese there are intercultural communication blocks that have to be considered, which are, problems on direct and indirectness, individuality and groups view, decision making, and discussion. Components of Communication Style According to some experts there are various things included in the components of communication style, such as: topics of discussions, favorite interaction forms -ritual, repartee, argument, and self disclosure- and involvement depth, as well as the channel people rely upon (Dean Barlund) ; behaviors –gesticulation, eye contact, speech and kinetic rhythm, and listening behavior- (Erickson)...
Words: 1295 - Pages: 6
...workforce shortages – a function of low birth rates and an aging population – increase the need to address gender issues in organizations. Throughout the past four decades, the number of female workers in Japan has been growing, although full-time female participation in the Japanese workforce remains below the levels of some other industrialized nations. Despite the growing importance that the Japanese female labor force is expected to play, relatively little is known about women’s attitudes toward work motivation in Japan. Using a twofactor, Herzberg intrinsic/extrinsic approach to motivation, we examine the applicability of such a model in Japan, and compare the attitudes of female and male workers, as well as management and non-management. Our findings include: (1) support for the applicability of a Herzberg, two-factor model in Japan; (2) Japanese men in the workforce tending to value intrinsic motivators more than extrinsic factors; (3) female workers in Japan rating extrinsic factors higher than their male counterparts; and (4) managers’ opinions of what motivates employees not constituting a refined match to those of female employees, especially with respect to extrinsic motivation. In multi-gender Japanese organizations, management will potentially benefit from a better understanding and functional integration of important gender nuances into their motivation strategies. Keywords: gender;...
Words: 9991 - Pages: 40
...Shinsei Bank’s current organizational structure and culture reflect the effects of several defining moments in the bank’s history. When its original incarnation, the Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, failed in 1998, it set in motion a series of paradigm shifts for the bank. First, the bank was sold to a US private equity group, Ripplewood. This was controversial as, per the case material, “corporate Japan loathed private equity groups, and the government was reluctant to allow a foreign group to control a major local bank.” Thus, right from the start, Shinsei Bank had an uphill climb ahead of it in terms of public acceptance. Ripplewood smartly chose a highly respected Japanese senior executive, Masamoto Yashiro, as CEO. He had worked for decades in American companies’ operations in Japan, and could use that experience to integrate the new owners’ expectations into the company structure and culture. The “injection” of foreign values and culture cannot be underestimated. Within the first year, Yashiro chose not to support one of its biggest clients during its financial troubles, and the company, Sogo, ended up filing for bankruptcy. This was counter to the historical moral code in Japan that banks support company clients even if they suffer losses, and confirmed the public’s and government’s worst fears of changes that might be wrought by foreign ownership. Furthermore, Yashiro abolished the former rotational assignment system so that employees could specialize. ...
Words: 1720 - Pages: 7
...Hint: When you are reading a text to be reviewed – keep the following two questions uppermost in your mind: • What is this text saying? (summary); • What do I think about what it’s saying? (evaluation) 2. The text being reviewed Notice how this review begins with the full bibliographical information about the text being reviewed – author, date, title publisher, place etc. Hint: Always commence your review with this information. 3. Introduction Rather than going straight into reviewing the text, notice how this student writer has begun by introducing the broad issue that the text is addressing. In this case it is the problems that international students can experience in Australian universities. Hint: Think about how you can relate the text you are reviewing to its broader context. 4. Summarising the text (see paragraphs 2-6) As we noted, one of the main components of a review is to summarise the original text. A good summary like this one will do the following: • accurately represent the ideas in the original text • focus on the more important ideas • be perfectly understandable to someone who has not read the original How long should a summary section be? It will depend on the required length of the review. Hint: In a well-constructed review the summary section will be no longer than the evaluation section that follows it. Language and Learning Services (Arts) Academic Style and Conventions What makes a good critical review? Read the topic and sample review. Then study the...
Words: 2857 - Pages: 12
...subordinate, Kelly exchanged the usual handshake greetings with the westerners, and then bowed to the Japanese; an awkward silence and exchange took place, with the Japanese looking embarrassed. Japanese men are unusual with the Western greeting style. Japanese did not like to do individual presentation, but rather wanted gain consensus among themselves and their contact and present a group presentation. And that is the reason why the first time they failed to do presentation without meet their groups and other contact. Japanese felt confused and offended when their college when the Americans chatted on about their children’s achievement and the Germans talked about their family position since Japanese do not talk about their family affairs to the outsiders. In a business appointment, Kelly planned to get straight down to business, so when the client company’s CEO handed her business card, she put in her pocket without a glance, and did not give him her card. Afterward only she found out that a Japanese businessman use the business card to convey all accomplishment and position without having to say it himself. 3) Turn back to the clock to when Kelly was offered the position in Tokyo. What, if anything, should have been done differently, and by whom? As for the company, they should have well plan in human resource function such as selection, training, acculturation and evaluation of expatriates. Many company select expatriates only on the basis of their domestic track records...
Words: 794 - Pages: 4
...RMIT International University Vietnam Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) Assignment Cover Page | Subject Code: |ACCT2163 | | | | |Subject Name: |Accounting Theory | | | | |Location & Campus (SGS or HN) where you study: |RMIT Vietnam | |Title of Assignment: |Individual assignment | | | | |Student name: |Pham Thanh Huong | |Student Number: |S3275153 | | | | |Teachers Name: ...
Words: 2888 - Pages: 12
...Communicating across Cultural Barriers Nancy J. Adler If we seek to understand a people, we have to try to put ourselves, as far as we can, in that particular historical and cultural background. ... It is not easy for a person of one country to enter into the background of another country. So there is great irritation, because one fact that seems obvious to us is not immediately accepted by the other party or does not seem obvious to him at all. ... But that extreme irritation will go when we think ... that he is just differently conditioned and simply can't get out of that condition. One has to recognize that whatever the future may hold, countries and people differ ... in their approach to life and their ways of living and thinking. In order to understand them, we have to understand their way of life and approach. If we wish to convince them, we have to use their language as far as we can, not language in the narrow sense of the word, but the language of the mind. That is one necessity. Something that goes even much further than that is not the appeal to logic and reason, but some kind of emotional awareness of other people. ... Jawaharlal Nehru, Visit to America All international business activity involves communication. Within the international and global business environment, activities such as exchanging information and ideas, decision making, negotiating, motivating, and leading are all based on the ability of managers from one culture to communicate...
Words: 9132 - Pages: 37
...where a lot of synergies like cultural differences, profit expectations play a crucial role. WIL-MOR JV was formed in the year 1992 by a 50/50 partnership between Detroit base Wilson industries and Japan based Morota Manufacturing company to cater the transformations happening in North American automobile manufacturing segment. Four years after the inception of the JV, company is not performing financially well as expected and this creates tension between both the partners and they plan to re evaluate the strategy. In depth-Problem Analysis. The major issues that lead to the re-evaluation of the relationship between the two companies can be summarized as * Failure to achieve forecasted returns When the JV was signed both companies aimed to leverage the maximum efficiency and gain a market leader position. They expected the company to break even within three years of operation. But even in the fifth year company is losing about $100,000 a month. With company running at close to full capacity, having client mix of transplants and Big 3 and still not able to make money made Wilson managers sceptical about the capability of JV. * Different Perspective about profit. Wilson focussed on making quick money out of the deal and they are profit centric, whereas Morota had a quality centric long term vision emphasizing on strong customer relationships. They articulated the philosophy of reducing cost and increasing quality to match with the Japanese standard. And once they establish...
Words: 1410 - Pages: 6
