Prof. Name:
Date
Japan and Denmark
- Japan
- Capital: Tokyo
- Population: 126,748,000
- Currency: Japanese yen
- Religion: Mainly Shinto
- Denmark
- Capital: Copenhagen
- Population: 5,781,190
- Currency: Danish kroner
- Religion: Mainly Christianity
Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture
Power Distance
Less powerful members of institutions accept that power is distributed unequally by their superiors.
- Japan (Large): Obey superiors without question. The organizational structure of business is hierarchical.
- Denmark (Small): Decision-making is often decentralized. The structure of a business is flat.
Uncertainty Avoidance
The extent to which people feel threatened by uncertain situations.
- Japan (High): Individuals tend to seek security at work and rely on expert opinions.
- Denmark (Low): People are risk-takers and enjoy unstructured activities.
Individualism (vs. Collectivism)
The tendency of individuals to take care of themselves and their immediate families only.
- Japan (Individualism): Strong work ethic; promotions are based on performance.
- Denmark (Collectivism): Weaker work ethic; promotions are generally based on seniority.
Masculinity (vs. Femininity)
The importance placed on success, money, and material possessions versus care for others and quality of life.
- Japan (Masculinity): High emphasis on making money and gaining employer recognition; workplace stress levels are high.
- Denmark (Femininity): Focus on employment security and allowing employees the freedom to make decisions.
Culture
- Japan is a high-context culture, often perceived as overly serious.
- Denmark is a low-context culture, often perceived as overly friendly.
Economics
- Japan: An innovative member of APEC, WTO, OECD, G-8, and other organizations; it has the 3rd largest economy.
- Denmark: A small, open economy geared towards trade, and a member of the EU, OECD, and WTO; it has one of the strongest economies in Europe.
Business Climate
- Japan: Loyalty to superiors is crucial. Companies and their people are seen as inseparable and are driven by success.
- Denmark: Emphasizes work-life balance, with GDP per capita among the highest in the world. Diversity fosters creativity and innovation.
Common Business Practices
- Japan: A sense of belonging is important, and introductions are typically made by a third party first. Business relationships are prioritized over personal relationships.
- Denmark: Business practices are formal, with initial contact typically made to the company rather than an individual. Business and personal relationships are kept separate.
Management and Leadership Practices
- Japan: Lifetime employment is common, with subordinates empowered to make decisions. There is a strong commitment to group work rather than siloed efforts.
- Denmark: Diversity management is emphasized, with leaders inspiring employees to perform their best and focusing on attracting and retaining new talent.
Cultural Expectations of Women
- Japan: Women have equal rights, but there is a significant focus on gender-balanced roles. Women are considered equal but have fewer opportunities for advancement.
- Denmark: There is a high level of education and workplace participation among women, but society is highly gender-segregated with an egalitarian ethos.
Working with Japan and Denmark
- Japan: Long hours and complete dedication to company success are expected. Professionalism and training are valued, with autonomous decision-making and a focus on helping others when work is completed.
- Denmark: Individuals are open-minded and willing to speak up, giving 100% effort to prove their talents for retention. Work-life balance and kindness towards others are valued, as well as conversations about family.
Leading Others
- Japan: Expect individuals to work in silos, with hierarchical decision-making. Subordinates are expected to follow orders, with the company’s success being the priority.
- Denmark: Leadership is based on partnerships, promoting equal opportunities and transformational leadership.
Strategies and Ethical Global Leadership
- Japan:
- Workplace: Promotions are based on performance,
