Posted: January 17th, 2023
Working Across Cultures
Scenario: Your company is undertaking a new business venture in another country. Your boss has told you they want you to oversee this venture. You are excited about the opportunity and want to ensure the people you interact with work harmoniously with you.Read the Discussion Question resources. Select your home country and another country of your choosing. If your home country is not listed in the resources, select a neighboring country or one you are familiar with. Respond to the following prompts:
Post your initial response by Wednesday, midnight of your time zone, and reply to at least 2 of your classmates’ initial posts by Sunday, midnight of your time zone.
My home Country is the US
SOLUTION
and I have chosen Japan as the other country. I chose Japan because it is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a strong economy. It is also known for its technological advancements and is a leader in the field of robotics.
The similarities between the US and Japan include the use of the English language as a global business language, a market-oriented economy, and a strong emphasis on innovation and technology. In terms of differences, Japan has a more collectivistic culture compared to the US, which is more individualistic. Japan also has a strong emphasis on respect for authority and hierarchy, while the US values equality and individual rights.
I can use the similarities in our use of English and our focus on innovation and technology to my advantage in communications by emphasizing these points when interacting with my Japanese colleagues. However, the cultural differences may present hurdles in terms of understanding and respecting each other’s communication styles and expectations for hierarchy and authority.
The resources provided on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and the Cultural Intelligence report did not surprise me as they aligned with my prior understanding of the cultural differences between the US and Japan. However, I do agree with the analysis that Japan has a more collectivistic culture compared to the US.
To build rapport across the two cultures, I would apply the tactics of active listening and seeking to understand the other culture’s perspective as outlined in the “Effective Intercultural Communication” article. Additionally, I would also use the strategy of developing cultural intelligence as outlined in the “Cultural Intelligence” report to navigate and adapt to the cultural differences in communication styles and expectations.
Place an order in 3 easy steps. Takes less than 5 mins.