StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Japan's cultural environment - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
With consistent Government policies, the country has opened the agricultural and services sector to foreign competition. The country faces several challenges: persistent deflation, reliance on exports for growth and an aging population. The paper tells about Power Distance Index, Individualism, Masculinity Index, Uncertainty Avoidance Index and Long-Term Orientation…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER91.8% of users find it useful
Japans cultural environment
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Japan's cultural environment"

?After suffering destruction during the Second World War, Japan has re-invented itself as one of the world’s richest and most industrialized nations (Ghimire, 2006). During the late 19th and early 20th centuries Japan attained regional power and defeated the forces of both China and Russia (CIA Factbook, 2012). Japan’s GDP is $4.497 trillion (2011 est.) as per CIA Factbook. Along with a high GDP, Japan also enjoys en educated population, a developed banking and services sector which makes the nation attractive for business and investments. With consistent Government policies, the country has now opened the agricultural and services sector to foreign competition. The country faces several challenges such as persistent deflation, reliance on exports for growth and an aging population. Investors have reservation because of the collectivist culture and high uncertainty avoidance culture. This is because the Japanese approach to business is a reflection of the Japanese society. Of all the business cultures in the world Japanese culture is the most deep-rooted in the belief that personal relationships get precedence over business (CDA Media, 2012). In order to work and interact successfully in Japan, an understanding of its national culture is considered important. While businesses have been guided by Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture, this paper evaluates if changes have taken place since the 1960s and 1970s when data was collected by Hofstede. Hofstede (1991) defines culture as “the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another” (cited in Stedham & Yamamura, 2004). Japan’s dimension of national culture is represented in the chart below: Source: Geert-Hofstede. Power Distance Index (PDI) Japan, with a PDI of 54, is a mildly hierarchical society. Power distance is the extent to which the less powerful members of the institutions expect that power is distributed unequally (Geert-Hofstede). However, the Japanese society is not as hierarchical as most Asian societies, according to Hofstede. Foreigners consider Japan as being extremely hierarchical because the decisions making goes through different layers of management but at the same time, this also demonstrates that there is no one single person in authority. In addition, Japan has been a meritocratic society and believes that everyone is born equal and anyone who is keen to attain higher levels of education, is free to do so, and move ahead. Individualism (IDV) This is the degree to which the society maintains interdependence. Japan’s score of 46 suggests a collectivist society where the harmony of the group is more important than the individual opinions. People in such societies have a strong sense of shame in losing face. However, the Japanese society is not as collectivist as the Chinese society. This is because the Japanese do not have extended family system where collectivism is prevalent. The eldest son in Japanese families carries on the father’s name and inherits assets while the others have to leave home and find their own way in life. The Japanese are more loyal to their company or the organization to which they are attached than to the family. Thus, by western standards they are called collectivists but by Asian standards they are individualistic. Masculinity Index (MAS) Japan has a high score of 95 on this dimension which indicates it is one of the most masculine societies in the world. This, according to Hofstede suggests that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success. However, the Japanese society does not demonstrate the behaviour expected in societies with high masculine scores, possibly because of their mild collectivist nature. There is severe competition but not between individuals; it is severe competition between groups which can be seen even at the primary school level. At the workplace also, employees are motivated when they are fighting against a team of competitors. The Japanese strive for excellence and perfection in all they do. The Japanese, according to Hofstede are workaholics, and it was difficult for women to match their male counterparts in rising up the career ladder. Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI) With a score of 92, Japan is one of the most uncertainty avoiding countries, possibly because Japan is constantly under the threat of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcano eruptions. With experience, they have learned to be prepared for any eventuality. Life in Japan has thus become ritualized and is full of ceremonies. Businesses invest a lot in feasibility studies and the risk factors are worked out in detail. Decisions are based on facts and figures. Because of the high uncertainty avoidance culture, changes are difficult in Japan. Long-Term Orientation Japan’s score of 80 on this dimension shows they are a long-term oriented society. In businesses, long-term perspective leads them to invest heavily in R&D even in difficult times, and priority is given to steady growth of market share than to short-term profits. Their focus is not on the shareholders but they work towards the interest of all the stakeholders. Hofstede’s dimensions of culture differed across nations but they did not differ by age, gender, education and occupation (Stedham & Yamamura, 2004). Hofstede’s model of national culture was based on data gathered in the 1960s and changes have taken place in different societies. Changes have particularly been observed in areas such as education, legislation and workforce composition. While Hofstede’s study was conducted in the 1960s and 1970s, Hofstede did suggest that changes may occur due to changes in the external environment. Societal values may undergo change when there are changes in trade, in country’s geography, demography, economy, technology and urbanization. This study by Stedham and Yamamura (2004) revealed that globalization brought about significant changes in Japan. More women undertook tertiary education and the PDI changed as women in Japan started believing more strongly than men in the importance of equal power distribution. Since women received higher education than men, they demanded that PDI should either be eliminated or at least be minimized. However, they have been unable to break the glass ceiling and become equal to men. They have thus developed a need for belonging; need to receive support and protection. Japan had been mildly collectivist but over the years it is now more individualistic, possibly as a result of increased economic development and wealth (Stedham & Yamamura, 2004). The need for belonging to a group has decreased in Japan. However the Japanese society has become more feminine because of more involvement of women in all facets in the society. Changes have occurred in the women in the society and if any changes have occurred among the men’s attitudes and values, it is because of the changes in women’s capabilities. The Japanese organizations are undergoing transformation and the ‘keiretsu’’ model that incorporates mutual shareholding is weakening. However, the Japanese people continue to be guided by respect, modesty and politeness when dealing with people and this is embedded in their national cultural value system (Lee & Trim, 2008). The employees in an organization operate in a small group which ensures harmony is maintained as they continue to adhere to shared values and beliefs. Foreign investors need to recognize that the Japanese believe in long-term trustworthy relationships. Hence all business deals and negotiations are based on mutuality. The Japanese society continues to be an ethnically and religiously homogenous society (Ralston, Holt, Terpstra & Kai-Cheng, 2008). Its cultural heritage is based on the Confucian philosophy. Foreign investors would have to understand the nuances and the customs in the Japanese culture that influence the social as well as business behavior. Not much appears to have changed in the business environment as decision making still involves approval of all the people in the team or business function which delays the process (Ghimire, 2006). Loyalty is still considered a virtue and the Japanese culture is still dominated by the concept of ‘lifetime employment’ (Venture Japan, 2009). Long-term relationship creates strong bonds and the employees feel a part of the company. Strong ties continue to exist between the company and its suppliers thereby giving the impression of a ‘corporate family’. Foreign investors consider these to be barriers to business in Japan but these are bonds of trust built over years. Even today women are not given the privilege to be the decision-makers in business, thereby suggesting that the Japanese society continues to be a high masculine society. The findings suggest that not much has changed in the Japanese society as far as the dimensions of national culture are concerned. To some extent individualism can be seen as women are going in for higher education. However, when it comes to managerial positions and decision-making power, the women have not been able to break the glass ceiling. This implies that the Japanese society is a male-dominated society. Besides, strong family ties and strong bonds with the organization create feelings of harmony. Decision-making still follows the hierarchical procedure and respect and modesty continue to prevail in the society. Long-term relationships are still valued and they believe in creating strong bonds not only with the employees but also with their suppliers and other business associates. References CIA Factbook. (2012). The World Factbook: Japan. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html Geert Hofstede. Retrieved from http://geert-hofstede.com/japan.html Ghimire, B. (2006). Doing business in Japan. Retrieved from http://internationalbusiness.suite101.com/article.cfm/businessinjapan Lee, Y., & Trim, P.R.J. (2008). The link between cultural value systems and strategic marketing: Unlocking the mindset of Japanese and South Korean managers. Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, 15 (1), 62-80 Ralston, D.A., Holt, D.H., Terpstra, R.H., & Kai-Cheng, Y. (2008). The impact of national culture and economic ideology on managerial work values: a study of the United States, Russia, Japan, and China. Journal of International Business Studies. 39, 8-26 Stedham, Yvonne E., & Yamamura, Jeanne H. (2004). Measuring national culture: does gender matter? Women in Management Review. 19 (5), 233-243 Venture Japan, (2009). Japanese business culture. Retrieved from http://www.venturejapan.com/japanese-business-culture.htm CDA Media. (2012). Doing Business in Japan. Retrieved from http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-in-Japan.html Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Japan's cultural environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words”, n.d.)
Japan's cultural environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/management/1460291-japans-cultural-environment
(Japan'S Cultural Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words)
Japan'S Cultural Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words. https://studentshare.org/management/1460291-japans-cultural-environment.
“Japan'S Cultural Environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/management/1460291-japans-cultural-environment.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Japan's cultural environment

Foreign Direct Investment in Japan

This paper considers such questions like : why invest in Japan, acquisitions that will not meet with resistance, cultural influence, avoiding employee reductions and negotiate with foreign as equals.... When the strong Yen is compared with exceptional cultural, it seems that foreign investment in Japan might never increase.... The current escalation of the Yen against other global currencies has served to make worse the disparity between japan's increasing investment and the dearth of foreign investments into Japan....
4 Pages (1000 words) Assignment

The socio-cultural, economic and environmental impact of mass tourism on Tokyo

By extension, questions are also raised about the possibility of responsible mass tourism and its effects on the culture, economy and environment of the destination areas.... Mass tourism could really be great to local people and cultures, environment and economy if only the tourists respect the destinations local people and culture .... This paper talks about the influence that the growing amount of mass tourism exert on Tokyo, in regard to socio-cultural, economic and environmental spheres....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Regressing Japans economic growth

This paper will look at the way japan's lost decade and low economic growth was and its unstable nature between 1980 and 2012.... Reviews some key books and journals that explain japan's economic growth in relation to the lost decade, using some theories such as Keynes's liquidity trap and Krugman's analysis.... The article further suggests that the large commercial surpluses, the low interest rates, and the strong yen swelled japan's monetary supply....
8 Pages (2000 words) Literature review

Economic Miracle in Japan

The paper "Economic Miracle in Japan" tells us about japan's catapult to world economic power.... Although by definition, a miracle is inexplicable, the basic cause behind japan's economic success can perhaps be explained in simple terms: the indomitable desire of the Japanese people to grow, their deeply persistent will to succeed at any cost.... nbsp; Factors contributing to japan's High Growth Rate:  Although japan's spectacular economic growth culminating towards the end of 1960's may initially give the impression of not being subject to rational analysis, in the same manner as a painting of supreme artisitry or as a deeply touching Zen haiku, it too is as much a cause-and-effect phenomenon as any other worldly matter....
10 Pages (2500 words) Essay

Cross Cultural Managment and Communication at Mitsubishi

(MRDA) Research & Design Center, Cypress, California, United States… d their Head Office and Tokyo Design Studio, Minato, Tokyo have been selected for comparison and to study their cultural differences ( Mitsubishi Motors 2010).... With the use of these frameworks an attempt has been made to analyze the problems for Mitsubishi and to see how the cross cultural communication and management affects the working of an organization.... This is because there are cultural, legal, political and economic differences in the two countries which account for the differences in the management styles....
14 Pages (3500 words) Essay

Matsushitas Culture Changes with Japan

This resulted in a shaky business environment from the point of view of Japanese business, but it greatly benefitted the average employee.... The present assignment "Matsushita's Culture Changes with Japan" dwells on the triggers of cultural change in Japan during the 1990s.... As the text has it, the trigger of cultural change in Japan in the 1990s occurred when the Japanese economy entered a prolonged slump.... japan's changing culture will force Japanese business to adopt foreign business practices....
1 Pages (250 words) Assignment

Global Business Analysis: Japan

International companies looking for business opportunities in Japan should learn cultural traits of Japan properly before the entry.... hellip; Until the mid-80's japan's economic progress was in the right direction.... In 1980, japan's financial system- and in particular its banking system – was the largest in the world....
15 Pages (3750 words) Research Paper

Business Cultures of Japan and The Philippines

This is exactly what this report intends to avoid, conflicts in organizational management due to different cultural orientations.... This research paper describes the business cultures of Japan and the Philippines.... This paper outlines Hofstede's dimensions of culture, power distance index, individualism, and long term orientation....
10 Pages (2500 words) Research Paper
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us