BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment

Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions

Complete this worksheet using the directions within to guide you. Submit your completed worksheet in the “Assignment and Grades”
tab in your course menu. When you have submitted this assignment for grading, please return to your module for a wrap-up.

Cultural Dimensions
Directions: Imagine that you are the head of a strategy team for a UK fashion retail brand. Your company has shortlisted two
countries to expand its operations in. Those two countries are China and Japan. Your CEO has asked you to examine the six
parameters of the Hofstede framework in relation to the countries. The following links provide details about China and Japan and
offer explanations plus scores on each of the six parameters of the Hofstede framework with respect to each country.

 China
 Japan

Use the information from the links to complete this worksheet.

Hofstede Framework: China: Japan: Commonalities between

Six Parameters Description of Each Parameter Description of Each China and Japan for Each
Parameter Parameter

1. Power Distance
China has a PDI of 80,
indicating that it is a society
that believes inequities among
people are acceptable. The
subordinate-superior
relationship is polarized, and
there is no safeguard against
superiors abusing their power.
Country Comparison (2021).
This means that employees
would converse with their
The power distance score for
Japan is 54, which is similar to
the global average. Yes,
Japanese people are always
conscious of their position in
the social hierarchy and act
accordingly. It isn't as
hierarchical as most other
Asian cultures, though. Some
foreigners regard Japan as
unduly hierarchical as a result
In terms of hierarchy society,
Japan and China are similar.
The differentiation is that in
China, decisions can be made
by individuals in a solitary top
layer, while in Japan, choices
are made after each various
leveled layer has endorsed
them. In the two societies,
giving gifts is viewed as a nice
thought, yet the thing that
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
superiors in such a way that,
even if they disagree with what
their superiors are saying, they
would comply because of the
Chinese culture's inherent
subservience and respect for
authority. As a result, in
Chinese business and culture,
power relations are defined by
a wide power gap. Study Guide
for MSG Management (n.d).
The power distance in China
indicates that starting the new
company, the management
would have to wait longer time
to clinch partnership
transactions. The best option
would be to network and form
business alliances with the
decision makers immediately.
of their commercial matters is that in China, gifts
experience with painstakingly are given to a definitive leader,
delayed decision-making: all while in Japan, gifts are given
options must be verified by to a gathering of individuals in
each hierarchical layer, and each progressive layer.
finally by Tokyo's top Therefore, we will consider to
management. Country exploit these cultural
Comparison (2021). differences by creating
Surprisingly, in Japan, firms incentives or gift items that
mostly consider stakeholders are custom fitted to each
from the business community culture's requirements.
(consumers, rating agencies,
banks, trade associations,
competitors and insurance
companies) as main external
stakeholders, rather than
NGOs, the media, or the
general public as the most
influential in Japan. Lee
(2016).
With my understanding of this
cultural dimension, our team
will reach out to heads of each
hierarchical group and
building alliances with them.
One of the best ways to win
their hearts will be to offer
them free items from our
collection, this is will be
customized for each person
just to suit their personalities
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
2. Individualism
At a score of 20 China is a
profoundly collectivist culture
where individuals act in light of
a legitimate concern for the
gathering and not really of
themselves. Hiring and
promotion decisions are
influenced by in-group
considerations, with closer in-
groups (such as family)
receiving preferential
treatment. Worker obligation to
the association (yet not really
to individuals in the
association) is low. Though
associations with partners are
helpful in-groups they are cold
or even unfriendly to out-
gatherings. Tasks and
companies take a back seat to
personal relationships. Country
Comparison (2021).
The Chinese will Ads and
marketing promotion more
persuasive when collectivism
and position in the society.
With this they will become
unpaid influencers for our
brand.
Japan has a score of 46 on China and Japan, with scores
the Individualism scale. Many of 20 and 46, respectively,
of the features of a have a strong sense of
collectivistic culture may be collectivism. People form
found in Japanese society, bonds with one another, and
such as valuing group there is a strong emphasis on
cohesion over individual human interdependence. In
expression and a strong sense general, this has resulted in a
of shame for losing face. One healthier social life.
seemingly contradictory Complexity of history (n.d).
example with the Chinese is
that the Japanese are known
for their devotion to their
enterprises, which they have
selected for themselves,
which is an Individualist trait.
Country Comparison (2021).
We could benefit more by
focusing on identifying,
producing and selling our
brand with a more
individualistic rather than a
general or national approach.
Our promotions would target
specific market that
appreciate and the tradition
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
is emphasized. We marketing
will promote the importance of
a collective bond in the society.
Furthermore, our designs and
the products will have special
features will towards the
tradition of the Chinese people.
3. Masculinity At 66, China is a Masculine
society, with a strong spotlight
on progress. The need to make
progress is reflected by the
way that the Chinese people
will put work before family and
their joy. Individuals who
supply administrations (like
beauticians) will work until very
late around evening time.
Recreation time isn't just about
as critical as it used to be.
Another fact to consider is that
the Chinese understudies place
a high worth on their test
scores and rankings, as this is
the essential standard for
deciding if they will succeed.
Country Comparison (2021).
The style of leadership and
approach to employees would
be in a different manner than it
will be in the UK. Furthermore,
and origin of the people as
they are compelled to buy
their society's well-known
products even when lower-
cost, higher-quality
alternatives become available
on the market.
At 95, Japan is perhaps one of
the most Masculine social
orders on the planet. Be that
as it may, mild collectivism. In
corporate Japan, you see that
representatives are most
motivated when they are
battling in a successful team
against their rivals.
Another characteristic of the
Japanese culture is their
workaholism as a proof of
their Manliness, It is still
difficult for ladies to move up
the professional
bureaucracies in Japan as
there is standard of hard and
long working hours. There is
also the drive for greatness
and flawlessness in their
material creation,
administrations (lodgings and
eateries) and show (gift
Both countries are seen as
being manly. Japan, on the
other hand, has a significantly
higher level of masculinity.
People in Japan are highly
motivated by success and are
significantly more emotionally
committed in competing
within their own group or
community. Chinese people,
on the other hand, are less
success-oriented but have a
greater desire to compete as a
nation. Country Comparison
(2021).
The team will develop
products that support and
encourage a work ethic as
both cultures encourage long
work hours.
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
our Brand Marketing campaign
message will be aligned to the
Masculinity culture of Chinese.
4. Uncertainty Avoidance China has a low Uncertainty
Avoidance score of 30. Though
truth is relative, there is
concern for Truth with a capital
T in the immediate social
circles, and rules (though not
necessarily laws) abound.
Regardless, obedience to laws
and standards can be flexible
to fit the occasion, and
pragmatism is a reality. The
Chinese are at ease with
ambiguity; the Chinese
language is full of confusing
connotations that Westerners
may find difficult to
comprehend. They are
adaptive and enterprising.
Research shows bulk of
Chinese enterprises (70
percent to 80 percent) are
small to medium-sized and
family-owned. Country
Comparison (2021).
As a new company the Chinese
management team member
may not like to delegate duties
wrapping and food show) in
each part of life. Country
Comparison (2021).
With a score of 92 Japan is The Chinese people have a
one of the most uncertainty more easygoing attitude
avoiding countries on earth. toward uncertainty, whereas
Because Japan is continually the Japanese prefer maximum
threatened by natural expectedness. China and
disasters such as earthquakes Japan are totally opposite in
and tsunamis, it is one of the this cultural characteristic
most risk-averse countries on Uncertainty Avoidance. Our
the planet. Feasibility studies work environment and
take a long time and effort to marketing/promotions will put
complete, and all risk factors into consideration what suit
must be addressed before any the different culture.
project can begin. This culture
has helped them to be a top
leader in all aspects when it
comes to product quality.
Their attention to detail and
strive for perfection has made
them very successful and the
top list. Country Comparison
(2021).
Because the Japanese would
not want to try out something
new or what they are not
certain of, our company will
have to take some time and
marketing/promotional efforts
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
to subordinates and will prefer
to do the work all by
themselves leading to late
work output. But we can
clearly explain their roles and
to make the power-sharing
requirement clear to everyone
on board.
5. Long-Term Orientation China scores 87, indicating
that it has a pragmatic culture.
In such cultures individuals
accept that fact relies
especially upon circumstance,
setting and time. They
demonstrate an ability to easily
adapt traditions to changing
circumstances, a solid
inclination to save and
contribute, frugality, and
diligence in accomplishing
results. Country Comparison
(2021).
Chinese long-term orientation
culture will be of advantage to
our business we will promote
the strong propensity for staff
to build confidence among our
target market. By gifting
influencers our company
products who can in turn give
us positive review and show
of trust for our brand we will
encourage the general public
to buy from us. Another
insensitive to be put in place
will be to offer them a money
back guarantee or seamless
refund policy
Japan ranks as one of the
most Long-Term Oriented
societies, with a score of 88.
The Japanese regard their
lives as a brief chapter in
humanity's vast history. From
this point of view, some
fatalism is not strange for the
Japanese. Long-term
orientation can be shown in
corporate Japan through a
constant high rate of
investment, even in bad
economic times, a higher own
capital rate, a focus on
sustained growth of market
shares rather than quarterly
profit, and so on. The premise
Both the Chinese and the
Japanese place a high value
on preserving and passing
along their traditional cultures.
Spring Festival, Tomb-
sweeping Day, Dragon Boat
Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival,
and other statutory holidays
are observed in China,
whereas traditional festivals
such as Bon holiday and
Seven-Five-Three Festival are
observed in Japan.
Furthermore, China might be
described as a long-term-
oriented society where
tenacity and persistence are
expected. Relationships are
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions

to save and invest and their
perseverance in achieving
results to move the company
forward.
is that businesses aren't in arranged in a hierarchy based
business to generate money on their position, and the
for their shareholders every hierarchy is followed. People
quarter, but to serve their in Japan, which has an 88 for
stakeholders and society as a long-term orientation, live their
whole for many generations to lives guided by virtues and
come. Country Comparison practical excellent models..
(2021).
The company should put into
consideration the working
environment in Japan to
ensure our space promotes
eco friendliness, less pollution
and the use of natural
materials in our production
process. This will show staff
and the citizens of Japan
origin that we stand
understand the importance of
nature preservation and
prevent and fight against
pollution and global warming.

6. Indulgence China has a low score of 24,
indicating that it is a restrained
society. Cynicism and
pessimism are common in
societies with a low score. In
addition, unlike Indulgent
civilizations, restrained
Japan has a culture of
Restraint, as seen by its low
score of 42. Skepticism and
cynicism are common in
social orders with low scores
in this measurement.
Furthermore, unlike Liberal
Both China and Japan have
low scores on the Indulgence
dimension, indicating that they
are both restrained societies.
Japanese individuals, on the
other hand, are less
constrained than their Chinese
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions

societies place less social orders, controlled social counterparts.

importance on leisure time and
exercise greater control over
the fulfillment of their needs.
People with this viewpoint
believe that their behaviors are
constrained by social norms,
and that indulging themselves
is somewhat wrong. Country
Comparison (2021).
Our marketing campaigns
especially with regard to
messaging and content
marketing would be centered
around informing our target
market about the need to be
more indulgent by creating
attractive designs i.e., making
it very colorful.
orders place less emphasis on Our marketing activities would
rest time and have more be focused on informing our
control over the pleasure of target group about the need to
their appetites. Individuals be more indulgent, particularly
who follow this path are aware in terms of messaging and
that their actions are governed content marketing.
by conventional rules, and
they believe that entertaining
themselves is, to some extent,
wrong. Country Comparison
(2021). Our marketing
campaigns, particularly in
terms of messaging and
content marketing, would be
focused on informing our
target market about the need
to be more indulgent by using
appealing designs, such as
bright colors.

Directions: The CEO has asked you to identify a leader each for China and Japan.

Reference: GLOBE study

What kind of leader would you A leader's job is to guarantee that the organization has the drive and leadership it needs to
hire for China? Why? compete on the worldwide stage through cultivating communication, understanding local culture,
and collaboration. We shall look at the ideal leadership style for China in this study.
According to studies, modern Chinese employees’ value moral leadership but are also open to
transformative leadership. Western scholars actively promote transformational leadership, which

What kind of leader would you A good organizational environment is created by effective leadership, which leads to excellent
hire for Japan? Why?
BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
is widely regarded as the most effective leadership style. Cai-Hui (2018).
The Chinese prefer a combination of strong discipline and authority, fatherly benevolence, and
moral integrity in their leaders. Personal morality of a leader is viewed as a factor that differs
from Western examples. Confucian philosophy and power asymmetry in Chinese society
contribute to followers' desire for leader morality. A person is only worthy of being called a leader
if he or she is morally superior to his or her followers, according to Confucian thought.
Recognizing leaders' moral superiority and accepting morally superior people into leadership
positions, as well as the exercise of power itself, is a manifestation of high-power distance
orientation. Cai-Hui (2018).
Leaders must also be sensitive to environmental factors, such as followers' needs and talents,
the idealistic nature of their goals and how they explain them, and the trust they establish in
followers by personal example and risk-taking behaviors. The best leader for China must
demonstrate the capacity to inspire, encourage, and demand excellent performance from
subordinates based on deeply held core principles.
performance. Japan is thought to have a large power distance, is moderately collectivist, more
feminine, has low uncertainty avoidance, and is long-term oriented all though external pressures
resulting from the expansion of globalization, is argued, would eventually drive the Japanese to
conform to western ideals and conventions that are regarded to be universal and standardized.
Because the Japanese are highly motivated to succeed in a competitive teamwork environment,
every leader must be able to maintain a collaborative mindset within the company, integrate
teams to work more effectively. The leader must demonstrate self-sacrifice and be able to lead
by example by also involving his or her self in the day to day running of the company or
operations to achieve the company goals this can increase the personal bond between leaders
and followers. As a result, having a leader that is forthright and supportive is more acceptable in
 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions

Japan. UKEssays.com. (2015).

References:
The Pennsylvania State University (2018). Leadership in A Global Context: Power Distance in China
https://sites.psu.edu/global/2018/10/28/power-distance-in-china/

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2016) The Role Of Cultural Differences In Business Communications. Retrieved from:
https://cbkcuhk.wordpress.com/2016/06/10/the-role-of-cultural-differences-in-business-communications/comment-page-1/

Hélder Silva (2012). Culture and Endorsed Organizational Leadership Behaviors – Portugal and China, Culture and Leadership, Page
51 https://repositorio.iscteiul.pt/bitstream/10071/4901/1/Master_Thesis_H%C3%A9lder_Silva.pdf

Sameera Abdul Kareem (2016) Intercultural Studies; Long term orientation vs. short term orientation (LTO) Retrieved from
https://h00251916.wordpress.com/2016/02/15/long-term-orientation-vs-short-term-orientation-lto/

Bartleby Research (n.d) Similarities and Differences between Chinese Culture and Japanese Culture. Retrieved from
https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Similarities-and-Differences-between-Chinese-Culture-and-PKH2ACZD3D6TA

Historyplex (n.d) The Cultural Differences and Similarities Between China and Japan. Retrieved from
https://historyplex.com/cultural-differences-similarities-between-china-japan

Country Comparison. Hofstede Insights. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/china/

 BUS 5010: Culture in a Global Business Environment
Module 4 Worksheet: Cultural Dimensions
MSG Management Study Guide (n.d.). Hofstede's Cultural Framework as Applied to China. Retrieved from
https://managementstudyguide.com/hofstedes-cultural-framework-as-applied-to-china.htm.

Lee, K et.al (2016). Cultural relevance in corporate SUSTAINABILITY management: A comparison between Korea and Japan. Asian
Journal of Sustainability and Social Responsibility. Retrieved From https://ajssr.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41180-016-
0003-2#Sec11

Cai-Hui Veronica et.al (2018). Chinese employees' Leadership preferences and the relationship with power DISTANCE orientation and
CORE self-evaluation. Frontiers of Business Research in China. Retrieved From
https://fbr.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s11782-018-0027-9.

UKEssays.com. (2015). The concept of leadership in US and Japan. Retrieved from

https://www.ukessays.com/essays/leadership/concept-of-leadership-in-us-and-japan.php.