BUENAVENTURA, MARGHEL R.

B.S ECE/ 4TH YEAR

MWF/10-11 am

1. What are the differences between American and Japanese culture?

Speed vs. Consistency
Generally U.S. Companys decision making is quick while Japanese companys
decision making is in stages along their corporate hierarchy.
Roles & Responsibilities for Individual vs. Group
The U.S. companys roles are very individualized while Japanese companies
require individual contribution to the whole group but recognize that the whole
group must succeed otherwise the individuals contribution has no meaning.
Risk Takers vs. Risk Adverse cultures
If we ask something to achieve for them, theyll say We can do it even they
thought they can do it 50-70% probabilities while if the Japanese feel that its
possible to achieve most likely 100%, they dont say Yes.
ROI of Revenues vs. ROI of Relationships
US Companies focus on Return on Investment (ROI) or the end result while
Japanese also focus on ROI; however, they emphasize the process on how to
get there.
Personal Life vs. Professional Life
Family and personal time is the priority in the US while in Japan; priority is on the
work life.

2. What are the desirable traits that you can learn from the American and
Japanese?
Dedicated

A valuable employee shows his dedication by consistently exceeding his

employers expectations and willingly taking on any task.
They are not afraid to fail
It does not matter how many times you fail once you finally succeed, and this
attitude will get you far both inside and beyond the cubicle and office walls.
They are direct.
Time is money, and in todays marketplace, companies do not have time to
waste.
They are disciplined and hardworking.
You can have all the passion in the world, but if you dont actually find the disciple
to sit down and finish what you start, all you'll ever have is an idea.
They are inventive.
Whether you are developing a wild new technology or working to improve a
timeless product or service, its important to think outside the box and come up
with new ideas.
3. What is the key to the success of the company based on the movie?
First of all, to minimize the cultural problem, Assan Motors could hire a
professional consultant or sign a contract with a professional institution. Then,
this professional consultant or the institution would have an orientation program
both for the Japanese managers and the American employees. During the
orientation phase, they could be tutored about each others culture and how to
overcome cultural problems if they existed. So both parties could know how to
react in particular situations. Another solution is that the executive board of Assan
Motors could distribute surveys to the American employees to learn their
preferences, facts of motivation and culture. The survey could be a great tool in
gathering information about the employees. Definitely, the managers also had to
contact with the employees. If communication would be strong in Assan Co., the
problems could be solved much faster and easier as an expected result.
DE VERA, RENNZE DOMINIC S.
B.S ECE/ 4TH YEAR
MWF/10-11 am

1. What are the differences between American and Japanese culture?

Heterogeneous vs. Homogeneous cultures
Since U.S. is multicultural, the company is consisted of a plenty of nationalities, which
means there are so many different way to think while Basically a Japanese company is
organized by Japanese.
Time Spent Collaborating vs. Collaborating Time Spent
US companies aim to do meetings efficiently as much as they can while Meetings are
very common in large companies. They value the process to agree with everyone who is
related to their project, so they have many meetings and spend a lot of time in meetings.
Remote vs. Face-to-Face communications
Contacting clients by email or on the phone seems to be more natural in conducting
business relationships while They respect meeting each other face to face. It is important
to them for conducting business relationships.
ROI of Revenues vs. ROI of Relationships
US Companies focus on Return on Investment (ROI) or the end result while Japanese
also focus on ROI; however, they emphasize the process on how to get there.

2. What are the desirable traits that you can learn from the American and Japanese?

Character-driven
Character is the virtue of knowing right from wrong, turning from the wrong and doing
what is right, even in the face of pressures and temptations.

Reliable

Nothing aggravates an employer more than a worker who does not carry out instructions.
They are team players.
True leaders lead with or without a title and want to empower and help others, because
they realize that this ultimately helps themselves.
They are curious.
There isnt anything more inspiring than an individual who is constantly curious about
the world and their role in it.
Self-disciplined
A good employee is one who stays on track.

3. What is the key to the success of the company based on the movie?
People from the different cultures would become friends and work together to achieve
one common goal. Also, they could adopt part of one anothers culture and be prepared
and informed to cultural differences beforehand. For the communication problem, Mr.
Stevenson first had to explain the Japanese executive that American employees were
most motivated by the salary bonus. Definitely, the managers also had to contact with the
employees. If communication would be strong in Assan Co., the problems could be
solved much faster and easier as an expected result