Japan: Below the tip of the iceberg

Tip of the Iceberg

Observable

What we see:

Conclusion

References

• Religion: All Buddhist by default, except that converted to another religion.
• Cuisine: Rice, noodle, okazu, fish, vegetables, tofu
• Traditional clothing are called Kimonos
• Using bow to greet people
• Very organized
• Always have everything planned (Hard to adjust quickly)
• Extreamly polite and welcoming
• Proud of their culture
• Have foreigners experience their culture

It is important to understand the different dimensions of a culture and study it thoroughly to fully understand the people of that society, this research shows that what is observed is merely a small portion of the culture itself and is only the reflection of a bigger part that drives the behaviour displayed to us, that is what the iceberg model represent a surface that only displays the results of a deeper hidden part. I understand now that I need to dive into a culture before painting a full picture of a country.

• Land of the rising sun
• Island country in East Asia
• Current Capital: Tokyo
• 1 AED = 28.92 Yen (¥)
• Moderate climate zone

Greet-Hofsted.com on Japan

6 Dimension of Japan

Japan is which of the Three Worldviews?

• Power distance (Medium)
• Individualism (Medium)
• Masculinity vs Femininity (High)
• Uncertainty avoidance (High)
• Long Term Orientation (High)
• Indulgence (Low)

On the borderline of a hierarchical society. Japanese are very aware of their rank in social settings and act towards improving it. Visitors based on their experience believe that Japanese are not as hierarchical as other countries in the region .

Japan is following the path of honor-shame basis.

How an action is recognized by others to either be proud and honored or feel shameful and tarnish the family name.

It has to be buried to restore honor rather than the guilt and punishment

Japanese people have collectivistic society characteristics because people have a strong sense of shame for losing face. however it is argued that compared to neighboured countries they are not considered as collectivistic due to not having extended family system. Considered to be collective by westerns and individualized by Asians.

12 Dimensions Interview

Masculin driven by competition achievement and success of people best in their field.the competition is not between Individuals but rather between groups this behaviour has been encouraged from an early age (e.g Sports day at school, white team vs red team)

Growth: Personal growth

Outlook: Lessons from the past

Destiny: No external power traditionally, however, nowadays it is disappearing

Status: Achieved

Accountability: Belonging to the group

Decision-Making: People and relationships

Context: Narrow

Connecting: Very sharing and open

Expression: Not open about emotions

Relationship: Reputation and honour are very important

Planning: People focused

Display rules: "Do not make anyone feel bad"

Japan is considered one of the most uncertainty avoiding countries one of the reason is the constant threat of natural disasters from tsunamis to earthquakes, typhoons, volcanos. These have led Japanese to always prepare themselves for future and unknown scenarios, therefore, they always have emergencies and precautions planned.

Cultural Miscommunications

Long-term orientation can be seen in cooperate as a high rate of investment in research and development even during an economic downturn, priority to city growth rather than quarterly profit.

Japan: Noises while eating and chewing to show enjoyment to the host otherwise it shows that the guest is unpleased with the food

UAE: Rude to chew loudly

Solutions

Societies like japan would tend to be cynicism and pessimism, therefore, considering hard work and long hours low indulgent society do not put much time on leisure and control of their needs.

(Hofstede,n.d.).

Compromise should be made by both parties by making few sounds or expressing the enjoyment by words instead.

Japan: Bowing when greeting someone.

UAE: Only bows during prayer.

Japanese bow is different than the prayer act.

We believe that a person’s intention determines the value of an act. It is fine to bow to greet because it shows that you respect them as well as it does not contradict our religion.

Japan: Below the tip of the iceberg

Ayisha AlHashmi