Resolving Cultural Differences

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Running Head: RESLOVING CULTURAL DIFFERENCE Resolving Cultural Difference Vivian Jones Belhaven University January 10, 2011 Instructor: Dr. Jerold Meadows, PhD In order to discuss cultural difference, we need to understand what the word cultural means. Cultural is the distinct character of a social group. Cultural values are important in social interactions. Because cultural values are shared judgments of that social group and we have to respect those values. There should be no misunderstanding when it comes to resolving a conflict with an employee from another culture. Don't be too quick to judge. Enjoy Japan on its own terms. Resist the impulse to compare against your own American standards. Remember that cultures evolve through patterns of behavior that are effective for those people. While it may be different from your own, it works for them. Japan is one of the most industrialized countries in the Pacific Rim, and a major player in the global marketplace. They have an intelligent and diligent workforce, trade barriers that keep out imports, and spend less than 1% of their GNP on defense. To do business in Japan, have patience. It may take several years to penetrate their markets. Invest in the future. Contrasting values: Japanese values- group orientation, politeness, harmony, indirect American values- individual achievement, directness, material success Japanese employees are taught to work in groups and to think of themselves as part of a family. They feel a great deal of responsibility toward their co-workers and their company. Knowing that failure or error might affect others leads the white-collar executive to be extremely diligent. Rewards are group oriented which places further responsibility on individual performance. Japanese communication patterns, like most Asians, can be baffling to Westerners. Americans are used to straight
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