Japanese Style in Decision-Making

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This article from the New York times describes how the cultural environment influences business in Japan. It highlights the difference between Western and Japanese management methods based on cultural beliefs. The first example of cultural comparisons in business can be seen in the priority of the workers. In Japan, the company is considered more important than the job itself. Loyalty is favored over success, which leads to great job stability. In the US, job mobility is demonstrated by the fact that workers prefer their position to their company. As well as the difference between Western an Japanese workers to their company, there is also a different approach to solving problems. The „I to You“ approach in the West allows both sides to present their case, this may lead to confrontation. In Japan, the „You to You“ approach is used, in which the negotiators try to understand both perspectives and to create harmony. To mirror the difference of perspectives there is also a difference between methods of decision making. In the West the „ Top Down “ approach means that managers focus on every level of workers especially the employees. In Japan, the „ Bottom-Up “ is used, in which allows the workers freedom and authority. The different attitudes to the balance of power is also seen in the different attitude of decision making. The attitude in Japan is very liberal, which is demonstrated by their disregard for deadlines and loyalty to the employees. However, in the West the priority is the deadline and therefore less time is gives for decision-making. There are many ways in which the Japanese and Western businessmen are different. There are different priorities attitudes and methods which are caused by cultural

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