Archives for November 2021

It is important to note that anyone who might have business in Russia should be prepared to deal with a different type of business partner.

“From a business perspective, Russia represents a tremendous universal trust, horizontal as well as vertical, with conscripted labor, conscripted clerical and technical personnel. Nobody has the right strike, to move, or even resign without the permission of his superiors.” (Boublikoff, 1935, p.269) This is a passage from a journal article in 1935 about doing business with Russia. While things have obviously modernized and progressed over the last 86 years, the countries Communist roots from 1918 on are more than just a political party but also representative of their ideas and beliefs.  “Culture in a way is a culmination of the personalities within the society.” (Pennsylvania State University, 2021) Russian people has a different social infrastructure than Americans are used too. Understanding this dynamic and being sensitive to their way of life will be important to building a successful relationship.

The work week in Russia is set at Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and retail stores open 8am- 9pm Monday-Saturday. (Abramson & Moran, 2018, p 556) Additionally, it is expected that foreigners show up on time for meetings, while Russian counterparts may be tardy or not show up at all stemming from conditioning in the previous communist party. (Abramson & Moran, 2018, p 556) This means that business meetings are not conducted in equal terms. A foreigner expecting to do business in with a Russian organization will need to have a firm understanding of the differences involved here. If an organization were to acquire an entity with in Russia, you can image any sort of organizational changes would need to have some serious strategizing and time invested if gains were going to be made.

There are several things to consider before approaching a business venture involving either a partnership or a division within your organization in Russia. Ideals and beliefs are different with means work performance and expectations are different. I have said this before and I will say it again, not all stereotypes will reflect your individual experiences, but in an instance such as this, it is highly recommended that you do your research and have contingency plans in place incase there are any misunderstanding so you can be fluid in connecting the dots and achieving your goals.

Thanks,

References

Japan is a nation comprised of four main large islands along with roughly 4,000 smaller islands in East Asia. Estimates of how long the civilization has existed vary, but its current culture has been around for at least 2,000 years, with evidence that people have been inhabiting the islands for at least 32,000 years, and there are signs of human culture emerging roughly 12,000 years ago (PSU, 2021, p.1, para. 1). In the past Japan was very traditional in a cultural sense. Even today in business they respect authority, and are deferential to their superiors.

Historically Japan is commonly and stereotypically known as a land of nobility and chivalry, with values such as honor, pride, and perseverance. These form a moral code of everyday living that has permeated Japanese society for generations, even centuries (Abramson & Moran, 2018). With this kind of mindset one can begin to understand how Western influence can appeal to younger generations. Especially as it relates to pop-culture, music, and even food and drink!

An article I read recently spoke to this sentiment, and how Japan was embracing certain cultural aspects, and enhancing them with their take. For the longest time it was fast food, movies and chain stores but now that is changing. Recently “Osaka-based Suntory, a Japanese conglomerate best known for its whiskey holdings, announced that it was buying Beam Inc., thus acquiring the iconic American bourbon brands Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark” (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-japan-copied-american-culture-and-made-it-better-180950189). With that move Japan has embraced a decidedly American brand, and yet is creating new cocktails, and version of the liquor. By doing this they are making it either better, of maybe even their own.

Much like their traditional past, in the food and beverage world the Japanese are pursuing a mastery of sorts. The younger generations are taking something that was not theirs at all, and putting a unique Japanese spin on it. This recreation has extended to Jazz, clothing, and food. While they have always produced some of the greatest Kobe/Wagyu beef on earth, the meat can now be found in American style burgers.

Some people would argue that an element of cultural appropriation is happening, but I see the flowering of globalization! I love the idea that because the world is getting smaller, and communication/ideas flow more freely, that other cultures mimic and expand on creations that were not theirs. I look at this as a positive, because you now have others enjoying aspects of American culture. And even possibly showing Americans a different spin, whether it be creating new food/musical sounds/clothing etc.

In my opinion this class is teaching us to respect different cultures, and to embrace different elements. While I think their is line between what is appropriate and what is not, this version is potentially taking something and making it better. And for me that is wildly positive, and in a sense more inclusive!

Has anyone in the class been to Japan and experienced this firsthand?

And do anyone have a differing opinion on this not being positive, but looking at this as a culture vulture?

Thanks,

Bill Egan

References

Abramson, N. R., Moran, R. T., Moran, S. V. (2018). Managing Cultural Differences (10^th ed.). Oxford: Routledge. New York, NY.

The Pennsylvania State University, (2021). Lesson 11: Asia: Focus on Japan. Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2146712/modules/items/32847706

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/how-japan-copied-american-culture-and-made-it-better-180950189/