CULTURAL

DIFFERENCES
ASSIGNMENT NO.3

OMAR HASHMI
02-112191-009
 Read the case DO IT MY WAY from the worksheet provided by me and answer the following questions.
Q. Explain the differences in American and Japanese culture

A. While attending a meeting

 Japanese executives include only men, whereas, Americans included eight women and men.

 Regardless of room’s temperature, Japanese executives were in dark suits and did not remove
their jackets. However, Americans removed their jackets on entering the room.

 Japanese were punctual as their tea break lasted ten minute as scheduled and Americans’ tea
break went beyond scheduled time to 20 minutes.

 In the question session, Japanese asked question after interacting with each other and were
considerate and humble, whereas, Americans were argumentative and offensive against the speaker’s
words.

B. Hiring and firing policy

 American companies hire people for their existing skills, as they are flexible people and have a
limited obligation to the company. Therefore, their jobs are clarified and so are the needed skills for the
job.

 Japanese subsidiaries hire people for the skills they will acquire after joining the company.

 Americans hire and fire employee at will.

C. Style of Communication

 American managers depends on memo, email and letters mostly for communication even next-
door office is communicated through memos.

 Japanese favors informal discussions that leads to agreement and consensus.

D. Resolving Conflict

 During any conflict between middle managers, Japanese superiors considers not involving in the
conflict as managers can resolve it themselves, as they consider employees a big happy family.

 Americans consider conflicts as unavoidable and healthy for the organization.