Cultural Contrasts: The United States

and Japan

By: Anuradha Srinivasan

& Sherine Mitto
 Congratulations!

You have been promoted to Chief Financial Officer & have been
requested to transfer to our Japan or United Stated of America branch,
no later than 1st January 2017.
 Introduction
There is no better time than now to explore and venture out of your
comfort zone and present work environment to feed your wanderlust
minds. So Congratulations!

Taking a chance on a position

overseas can bring many benefits,
so please keep an open mind
as an increasing number of individuals
are thinking about pursuing their
careers and life in other counties.
In addition, this international exposure
will display your ability to adapt to
new situations, interact with diverse
groups of people, and develop your
problem-solving techniques.
 Survival Tips
Please watch the following videos for more
information:
Japan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3IH96HPFCU
United States:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tglrP82v1c
 Hofstedes Cultural Values

Japan U.S.

Individualism 46 91

Power Distance 54 40

Uncertainty Avoidance 92 46

Masculinity 95 62
Communication
 Communication Style in
Japan vs. the United States
Japan
Looking at someone straight in their eyes is considered rude,
and a means to a challenge.
Japanese people aim to avoid displaying their emotions in
public and suppress their facial expression as much as
possible.
Uncomfortable with any physical contact such as a hug.
Hand gestures must be done with caution as several hand
movements have particular meanings. Therefore it can be
misinterpreted as an insult or just used at an inappropriate
time.
Being quiet during a conversation shows that one is thinking
about what is being said and the parties are trying to
understand the concept behind the bigger picture or comment
stated.
Vocal qualifiers of a high volume or pitch indicate loss of
control.
America
Staring someone directly in the eye is seen as a sign of
confidence, a degree of attention and express interest.
Individuals are quite vocal and expressive in their speech,
gestures, and facial expressions.
Due to the melting pot of nationalities in the United States,
physical contact is accepted and very common when greeting
people.
A handshake is a sign of respect and welcoming gestures to a
guest. There are no inappropriate signs in the way you
approach someone to shake their hand.
Most times feel uncomfortable sitting in silence.
Vocal qualifier of high volume or tone indicates confidence
and authority
English
 Cultural and Business Values
Japan The United States

Individualism Collectivism

Independent Group Consensus

Goal-oriented Group Harmony

Time is money Relationships is key

Work to live Live to work

 Cross-Cultural Communication Tips
Characteristic United States Japan

Responsibilities A managers roles are very individualized as the care Managers are required to provide their individual

for Groups about ones own success. Still, the contribution of contribution to the entire group, and a final decision

vs. Individual other members of staff is important to meet the depends on unanimous group votes. As it's said that

companys mission and goals. they recognize that the whole team must succeed,

otherwise the individual's contribution is not

meaningful.

Return on Businesses true focus is the ROI of revenue as Japanese companies also focus on ROI of revenue

Investment on managers do not care how it is achieved. And it's but care to learn the process of how to get there as its

Relationship vs. business, not a friendship. a pathway to new friendships.

Revenue
 Characteristic United States Japan

Risk Adverse vs. Managers are often times risk takers in American as Managers here are more conservative even if they

Risk Takers most are go-getters or we can do it individuals, even are 100% sure they can do it as the aim to be

culture its only 60% probability of being successful. accurate and not Yes people.

Homogeneous The US is a melting pot of nationalities, making it Japan is mainly Japanese. As such, everyone shares

vs. multicultural. As such, there are many this the same or similar background; therefore, some

Heterogeneous approaches to a task or ways of thinking due to that unspoken words are understood based on the

culture fact which can something prolong a final decision. situation.

Collaborating Conducting fewer and fewer meetings than other Always conducting a meeting and the meeting

Time Spent vs. countries. And during the meetings they aim to get a groups involve a significant number of staff joining.

Time Spent lot accomplished as thats the only view of being Japanese value the process of meetings and they

Collaborating efficient. spend a lot of time in a meeting.

 Characteristic United States Japan

Work Style The working style is very flexible and working from Regular 8 am to 5 pm working hours and managers

home is very normal. Most managers don not have are not allowed to work from home. The office

strict working hours once they meet their deadlines. environment resembles a school like setting where

These managers always also get their own office the head of the division is at the top of a row of

space which provides a sense of personal desks in an open layout office.

independence and trust.

Personal Life vs. Personal and family time is the priority in America Priority is in the work life, making ones

Professional Life as companies encourage a work-life balance. As professional life more important than their family.

such, there is socializing outside of the office but There is also a common activity of Japanese

usually not with coworkers. employees to attend a social event together after

work hours; for example, happy hour or dinner

socials as it's seen as an imperative opportunity to

communicate with each, and building the

relationships within the office.

 Conclusion
Japanese and Americans have always
emphasized the importance of work. We will be
fascinated to see what country you select, and
we wish you all the best in your future
endeavors.
If you have any questions, please contact the
Human Resources Division
 References
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