INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

Cross Cultural Management and Negotiation (IBC201)



Class: IB18B

Lecturer: La Thi Kim Khanh

Full Name: Huynh Thi Quynh Tram

Student ID: QS180055

Date: Spring2024

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduces basic information about Japan.:.........................................................................................3

II. Main features of business culture in this country ............................................................................ ...4

1. Growth mindset, not afraid of challenges.............................................................................................4

2. Culture of internal cohesion in the business.........................................................................................4

3. Culture respects the hierarchy in the business......................................................................................5

III.The influence of the country's culture on business culture in Japan ...............................................6

1. Unique geographical location...............................................................................................................6

2.The process of building the country and the consequences of war........................................................6

3. Language issues....................................................................................................................................6

IV. Important information for international managers in human resource management in Japan...7

V. Reference sources....................................................................................................................................7

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 Japan is known as one of the countries with the world's leading economic and technological

development. Not only that, this country also surprises people with its rich history and unique, long-

standing cultural features. Today, those cultural features and customs are still used by people in daily

activities and even at work. In this article, we will introduce a general introduction to Japan, business

culture, and the impact of the country's culture on the way Japanese people work. From there, we provide

reasonable options and solutions so that an international manager can manage human resources well in

this country.

I. Introduces basic information about Japan:

Japan or as people often call it "Land of the Rising Sun" is an island country in East Asia located along

the Pacific Ring of Fire. There are 5 main islands with dense populations: Honshu, Okinawa, Kyushu,

Shikoku, and Hokkaido. The name "Land of the Rising Sun" is of Chinese origin, two Japanese words

meaning "root of the Sun". At the same time, with its geographical location at the eastern tip of Asia,

researchers believe that Japan is the country that sees the sunrise first, loudest, and clearest. Although it is

a country with a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and diverse landscapes, Japan is extremely

scarce in natural resources and minerals and suffers from many natural disasters such as earthquakes,

tsunamis, etc. located on the volcanic belt. There is also some information about Japan that many people

often confuse: Tokyo is the capital of this country. But legally there is still no official document

recognizing that, so Japan is a country without a capital. Limited resources and many natural disasters and

consequences of war, but the "Land of the Rising Sun" miraculously recovered and developed its

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economy. So to become a country with an outstanding economy in the region, how do Japanese people

build their business culture?

II. Main features of business culture in this country:

It is known that Japanese business culture is formed by customs, rituals, and behaviors in daily life

passed from generation to generation, but there is still harmony between the classic and fresh. There are

three characteristics of business culture that I think are the core values that create Japan's success and

difference compared to other countries: Growth mindset, not afraid of challenges; a culture of internal

cohesion within the enterprise, and a Culture respects the hierarchy in the business.

First is the culture of Growth mindset, not afraid of challenges. At work, Japanese people always

explore and learn to complete the job in the best way. In Japan, people evaluate employees based on their

work history and level of dedication to the business, so employees always hone their skills and knowledge

to achieve the highest goals. This is also one of the ways to help them show their honour and high sense

of responsibility towards their work.

Next is about the culture of internal cohesion in businesses, relationships are very important in this

country, specifically the relationship between bosses and employees, superiors and subordinates, and

colleagues together in the workplace. company. They believe that building good relationships will be the

foundation to promote performance during work. In addition, solidarity and collectivist will create trust

and a feeling of respect between people. Therefore, instead of saying "I", Japanese people will say "we"

to put the interests and opinions of the group above the interests and opinions of the individual.

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 Finally, the culture of respecting hierarchy in the business, and maintaining and building

relationships between members at work is important, but Japanese people also value rank and position

and are very clear in matters of this topic. For example, in a meeting, the seating position also shows the

rank of members in the company, or the positions of seniors and juniors are not based on age but are

based on the rank, experience, and level of dedication of the individual. By the way, It can be understood

that Japanese people attach importance to this issue not only in terms of appearance but also in

understanding the core values of that individual, appreciating the talent and importance of superiors.

III. The influence of the country's culture on business culture in Japan:

In addition to the three characteristics mentioned above, there are many other characteristics of

corporate culture in Japan that create this country's very unique working style. And no one can deny that

the country's culture is the main factor that deeply affects corporate culture. The general character and

culture of Japan are the result of the process of building and developing the country based on factors such

as natural conditions, history, religion, and social culture.

"The Land of the Rising Sun" is a country located separately from the mainland, its territory is surrounded

on all four sides by the sea, creating favourable conditions for people here to have the opportunity to

exchange and proactively absorb cultures. foreign countries and create their own culture. On the other

hand, as a country with scarce natural resources and minerals, Japanese people tend to learn and take

advantage of the best things from developed countries, gradually forming a personality that is eager to

learn and not afraid to learn. challenges of the people here. Combined with the early introduction of

Confucianism and the Samurai spirit, a part of Japanese culture has also been determined, which is a clear

hierarchy and loyalty to superiors.

Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan's nature is very beautiful but also has many potential risks such

as earthquakes and tsunamis. Since ancient times, they have been taught that their country is not a "forest

of gold and a sea of silver", this evokes national pride, and the will to work persistently, especially the

tradition of "work selflessly." ” by the Japanese. On the other hand, during the process of building the

country, the defeat in World War II and suffering the severe consequences of two US atomic bombs

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helped the people to bond closely and live in harmony with each other to work together to restore the land.

water. Teach Japanese people to put collective interests above personal interests, honour hard work, and

appreciate the fruits of labour.

Finally, language limitations contribute to carefulness and caution when communicating. Specifically,

Japanese has very few vowels and has a large number of foreign words expressed in the form of Katakana

and Kanji. Therefore, Japanese people often rarely express their emotions and opinions, but instead use

gestures and abilities to express themselves.

IV. Important information for international managers in human resource management in Japan:

To be able to manage human resources in Japan in the most optimal way, international managers need

to learn and improve a lot of knowledge such as Japanese, policies, documents related to taxes and labour

laws or their ability to adapt to the environment. However, the information considered most important

when managing individuals is a clear understanding of the labour market in Japan, which includes issues

such as business culture, regulations in the working environment, and labour regulations. Employee

expectations regarding salary and benefits. Because Japanese people have high national pride and rarely

express personal emotions, to grasp and manage Japanese personnel well, it is extremely necessary to

understand where the labour market is.

V. Reference sources:

Đỗ, Q. (2022 , 29 5). Đặc điểm văn hóa doanh nghiệp Nhật Bản. Retrieved 6 2, 2024, from
Sunny: https://s.net.vn/ULjr

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Dương, N. Đ. (2012, 3 30). Số 35 - Một số suy nghĩ về văn hóa truyền thống và ngoại giao Nhật
Bản. Retrieved 2 5, 2024, from Bộ Ngoại Giao - Học Viện Ngoại Giao:
https://s.net.vn/Rxip

Thảo, Y. (2023, 12 20). Giới thiệu về đất nước Nhật Bản | Văn hóa và con người. Retrieved 2 6,
2024, from Saigontimestravel: https://s.net.vn/8XvD

Trang, L. H. (2021, 12 7). Văn hóa doanh nghiệp Nhật Bản và 6 điều đáng để học hỏi.
Retrieved 2 7, 2024, from Misa Amis: https://s.net.vn/ZbQ1