Question 1: We have been talking about the importance of understanding our own attitudes and prejudices in order to appreciate cultural differences. In light of this topic, why is it important? How have you dealt with situations in which you did or said things that you later learned or realized might have been offensive, or at least misunderstood?
Response
It is important to understand our own prejudices and attitudes as they have a phenomenal impact on our daily lives. They affect the way we relate with other people both in a professional, business, or personal environments. Our attitudes and prejudices are deeply determined by the cultures in which we grow up. Understanding our attitudes and prejudices is an excellent step towards understanding the cultures in which we have grown or brought up. Understanding our cultures explain the prejudice we may have developed along the way towards certain cultures. This understanding helps in appreciating that there exists several cultures in this world and depending on the cultures that shape our upbringing, attitudes and prejudices are determined
I have been in situations which have helped clarify the cultural differences in our societies. As a young person, we are often attracted by parties and the need to socialize through fun activities such as parties. In the light of this, I have often lied to my parents of my whereabouts while I attended parties that my parents could not approve of were they to get that information. It has since dawned on me that my actions have been offensive and probably borne out of the cultural differences between my age-group and our parents.
Question 2: Japanese business culture is somewhat different from that of the U.S., yet both U.S. and Japanese companies are very successful and dynamic competitors in the global economy. You will find a brief overview of Japanese business practices in Doc Sharing titled "Japanese Business Practices." If you notice, some of the practices and ideas are pretty foreign to our American way of doing things. How it that with this system of “rules” that seems to govern the Japanese approach to business, their companies have been able to compete so well with the U.S.? Is it possible that they know more about us than we do about them? How about other countries? Do other countries have business cultures that are quite different from ours but also highly successful? Give examples and descriptions.
Response
The Japanese companies have been able to prove worthy competitors to the American business in the global stage despite their business culture differences. This ability of the Japanese to compete effectively on the global stage is not due to them having more knowledge of the American business practices than the Americans know of their business practices. The competitiveness of their business practices is brought about by the fact that the American business culture has some flaws that are non-existent in the Japanese culture. The reverse is also true. The strengths and the weaknesses have been able to balance out on the global scale making both countries competitive in the global business market. For example, the Japanese businessmen are known to be cautious and choose their words wisely. It is known, in the business circles, that if a Japanese businessman claims to be able to achieve certain results, then they are truly capable of achieving it. The American businessman can claim to be able to achieve certain results when they are 70% sure of achieving the result (Ouchi, 1981).
The French and the English businessman have also attested to the fact that the Japanese way of business is unique. The French and the English are great business powerhouses but their business culture is similar to the US business culture. However, they have also been successful on the global business market. The difference in business cultures shows that different business cultures have their flaws as well as their strengths. The best way is to remain adaptable to the various methods and cultures in order to remain competitive.
References
Ouchi, W. (1981). Theory Z: How American business can meet the Japanese challenge. Business Horizons, 24(6), 82-83.
