Cultural factors affecting business between Japan and Finland : a study from the Finnish perspective
Nyman, Tuukka (2021)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021113022642
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021113022642
Tiivistelmä
The purpose of this thesis is to study the cultural differences and their effect on conducting business in Japan and Finland. The goal is to explore what similarities and barriers exist, whether those can be an advantage and what, if anything, can be done to prepare for them. The research was conducted by studying existing theory and literature by various authors; namely Hofstede and Trompenaars for their popular cultural dimensions, Richard D. Lewis due to his vast cultural knowledge about both countries and also Nishiyama Kazuo about doing business with Japan.
The cultures seem far apart, but many similarities exist, especially in terms of communication despite the two very different languages. Both cultures are quiet and polite, and their nonverbal communication is very similar.
Major differences can be seen in how business is conducted. Hierarchy is prevalent in all aspects of life and work and should not be underestimated. In Japan, relationship building is vital for establishing good business partnerships, and one should be prepared to work on this aspect for a long time.
The conclusion is that while both countries have their equal share of differences in culture and business, many of these can be prepared for. Finns possess many values that are respected by Japanese and thus have a natural advantage over many countries.
The cultures seem far apart, but many similarities exist, especially in terms of communication despite the two very different languages. Both cultures are quiet and polite, and their nonverbal communication is very similar.
Major differences can be seen in how business is conducted. Hierarchy is prevalent in all aspects of life and work and should not be underestimated. In Japan, relationship building is vital for establishing good business partnerships, and one should be prepared to work on this aspect for a long time.
The conclusion is that while both countries have their equal share of differences in culture and business, many of these can be prepared for. Finns possess many values that are respected by Japanese and thus have a natural advantage over many countries.