1. © CICOM BRAINS Inc.
Challenges facing Japanese in a global business environment
n Japanese ex-‐‑‒pats are unable to effectively communicate with local staff & clients
n Japanese managers create a wall between themselves and their workers due to
unintentionally careless behavior
n Poor communication between Japanese headquarters and overseas branches tend
to cause delays in joint projects
n Japanese offices have begun hiring more foreign workers, but they still account
for a small percentage of overall staff

2. © CICOM BRAINS Inc.
Skills required for Japanese to succeed in a global business environment
• Expert
understanding
of
the
industry
• Technical
knowledge
&
experience
• Organiza;onal
management
skills
• Language
skills
• Communica;on
skills
based
on
business
scenarios
• Communica;on
skills
based
on
in-­‐depth
management
know-­‐how
• Flexibility
in
dealing
with
people
of
different
backgrounds
&
values
• Perseverance
Expertise
Cultural
Adaptability
Communication
Skills

3. © CICOM BRAINS Inc.
How can Japanese become more adaptable to foreign cultures
Recommendations to increase multi-‐‑‒cultural adaptability
n Increase understanding of oneʼ’s own culture
n Raise awareness of other cultures and avoid stereotyping
n Adapt the framework of understanding based on the Culture Compass by Geert Hofstede
n Acquire practical skills to be able to accept and deal with differences
Despite being competent in their fields and having the language ability to communicate with foreign
colleagues, some Japanese businesspeople are not performing as well abroad as when they were in Japan.
These people are experiencing the challenges of adapting to other cultures.
In the era of globalization, international agreements and rules are being standardized while
pride in country, culture, and ethnicity is strengthening. This requires a greater awareness and
openness to diverse cultures, values and ways of thinking.