1.0 Introduction
The main objective of this report is to help the ¡§International Expansion Team¡¨ of Digby to recognize the possible culture differences problem they may face while establishing their joint venture and operating business in Japan. Considering Ms. Ingrid Cremer, the project manager in charge of Japan market came from Germany, this report will give a clear comparison between Japan and Germany¡¦s business culture and recommend strategies for Digby to overcome the culture differences problem.
2.0 The General Business Cultures in Japan and Germany
According to Geert Hofstede¡¦s analysis, Japan was characterized as a collectivist, high power distance, high uncertainty avoidance and masculine country. While the analysis for Germany shows their emphasis on individualism, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance. Power distance and long-term orientation are both ranked considerably lower than the others. (www.cyborlink.com) Please also refer to Appendix A. Understanding and taking more consideration on those culture differences will help Digby in establishing a good relationship with their Japanese partners and operating effectively in an international environment. The following analysis will help Digby be aware of those significant differences.
Communication Style
Before go to Japan, the first issue that Digby¡¦s ¡§international Expansion Team¡¨ need to be aware is that, culturally, the Japanese tend to be somewhat introverted and indirect in their ways. German and other European¡¦s communication style is more direct than Japanese. Be warned, and do some homework will help Digby¡¦s ¡§International Expansion Team¡¨ avoid misunderstanding when doing business in Japan, in particularly Japanese¡¦s indirect expr ...