Looking a Culture in the Eye

INSEAD (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Working with people from all places and races, it is always a challenge. And in my experience, language is the first barrier to be broken down - it is tantamount to knowing the culture by knowing the language. But then again, it may not always be the case.

What your experience?
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ERIN MEYER


I teach cross-cultural management at the international business school Insead, near Paris. For 15 years, I have studied how people in different parts of the world build trust, communicate, make decisions and perceive situations differently, especially in the workplace.

While traveling in Tokyo recently with a Japanese colleague, I gave a short talk to 20 managers. At the end, I asked whether there were any questions or comments. No hands went up. My colleague asked the group again: “Any comments or questions?”

Still, no one raised a hand, but he looked at each person in the audience. Gesturing to one of them, he said, “Do you have something to add?” To my amazement, she responded, “Yes, thank you,” and asked a very interesting question. My colleague repeated this several times.

Afterward, my colleague was unsure how to explain the phenomenon. Then he said, “It has to do with how bright their eyes are.

“In Japan,” he continued, “we don’t make as much direct eye contact as you do in the West. So when you asked if there were any comments, most people were not looking directly at you. But a few people in the group were looking right at you, and their eyes were bright. That indicates that they would be happy to have you call on them.”

That is not something I learned from my upbringing in Minnesota, or during my years spent in living in Europe and Africa.

After the trip I returned to my classroom, where the students are managers from all over the world. I felt both embarrassed and unsettled to see that I had been missing a lot of bright eyes.

In Japan there is an expression, “kuuki yomenai,” which refers to someone who is unable to read the atmosphere. On my trip I was reminded that, with a little curiosity and some help, I could improve my ability to read the Japanese atmosphere.

In today’s economy, an Italian might be negotiating a deal in Nigeria or a German could be managing a team of Brazilians.

In France, I was surprised to hear Americans complain that their French teammates were disorganized and always late. Yet some Indian colleagues were frustrated about those same people being rigid and unadaptable.

I map cultures on eight behavioral dimensions: communicating, evaluating, persuading, leading, deciding, trusting, disagreeing and scheduling.

For example, the French culture falls between the American and Indian cultures on the scheduling dimension – hence the opposite impressions about chaos versus rigidity.

If you lead a multicultural team, you need to find the flexibility to work up and down these dimensions: watch what makes local managers successful, explain your own style, and perhaps, learn to laugh at yourself. Ultimately, it means learning to lead in different ways.

Focus on understanding behavior in other cultures, and keep finding the bright eyes in the room.


Taken from TODAY Saturday Edition, The New York Times International Weekly, September 27, 2014

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Outlook: Will Japan recover position as world key player after?

Image via WikipediaWe had our internal meeting today, and one of the questions that I asked is how the company is managing the supply shortage with Japan out of the supply chain.

"They are scampering to switch substrates," was the answer. Who is the 'they'? Those in-charge, of course.

Anyway, that isn't the point at all.

The point is - that change is so massive, and so massive that if the future, in the event that Japan comes back to the playing field and starts producing, the switch back may not be that easy after all.

So the question is, when the time comes, and Japan springs back to production, will everybody else be willing to switch back?

I'm just preempting the possible extent of Japan's damage, even in its industries.

Will Japan ever recover position as world key player afterwards?

Just my thoughts...

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Lesson from Japan's earthquake and tsunami disasters

Image by Kordian via FlickrThe day Japan was struck by earthquake and tsunami, I briefly discussed with my wife the possible impact to the world of Japan's partial destruction (we know roughly what that means by now, and its extent, current extent).

"In a week's time," I said, "the impact will be felt by the world." And that is true enough. Roughly three weeks after the incident, we are already starting to feel the absence of a major key player in the semiconductor industry - while there are many subsidiaries worldwide, Japan is still the major source of raw materials that these outsourced franchises rely on to build their subsequent products that is consumed by worldwide factories.

What will Jack Welch and John Maxwell write about the Japan incident that we will learn from, all of us, not just leaders?

That book, if I live to see and read it, I am sure will be worth waiting for.

Perhaps it is too much of a tragedy that struck Japan, but were the japanese people thinking of being hit? they got hit, and they asked what anybody who gets hit asks, "Why me?!" That is as if to say, "Why not the others?"

Well, were they thinking of the others that got hit when they're not?

I'm not saying that all those who perished or suffered in that tragedy well deserve it, whatever that means. Sometimes we reap the consequences of our actions, but I am not saying that all who died or affected deserved the rightful judgement. Who am I to say that?

But this is my point. Were those who cried 'Foul!' rightly playing by the rules? Did they stop to think and empathize with those who were recently hit by similar tragedies in other parts of the world? Japan's case isn't the first one -  there's been too many - and it won't be the last. As predicted, the belt would be continuously moving, once it moves. How many more earthquakes are we therefore expecting?

And so, with a short thought from me, I hope we learn from what has happened to Japan, now, and then. And not only Japan, but also from Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, and from all the other countless incidents and accidents that has happened in the past - to prioritize what we should, and not live in this world alone, not mindful of others who are suffering, simply because we are well off and convenient in our small, little place. Let our mind be broader and our perspective wider, and we would be living in a better world, whatever hardship we face.

Hopefully, I live long enough to see and read and learn from the book that Jack Welch or John Maxwell will write about leadership lessons from the Japan earthquake and tsunami incidents.

I hope we all do.

Till then!

 

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Designer Clothes - In Space?

America was first to step on the moon, but the Russian astronauts displayed superior intelligence when they used pencils for writing - saving billions of dollars in research for the same writing material to be used in space (compared to America).

With many other countries following and embarking to "step out into the space", this one from Japan is a first of its kind. What is that thing?

Read on:

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Naoko Yamazaki knows you have to look good at work even if your work is in outer space. Japanese fashion designer Tae Ashida has created a designer suit for the female astronaut to wear during her stay on the International Space Station. "As a female designer, I chose a design and colour with a sense of grace ... so that she can feel at ease as she carries out a tough mission in a male-dominated, bleak atmosphere. It's like a dream come true to see my clothes worn in space," said Ashida. "I'm looking forward to seeing her wear my design."
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Now there has been lady astronauts before, but this one wearing a designer clothes is first in mankind's history. And why not? Space suits were primarily designed for men, ain't that right?

What's next? Non-smearing lipstick? Space-environment lotion? What have you to offer to 'make' space travel better? Or vain?

Leave a mark by leaving your comments.
Want to know what others are saying as well? Check out the source here.
But do leave your comments here so I will know what's on your mind.

Thanks!

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CAR RECALL SYSTEM TO BE REVIEWED

Image via Wikipedia

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TOKYO - Japan's transport ministry may review and improve its car recall system, reports said yesterday, as Toyota Motor Corp battles accusations it may have delayed acting on drivers' complaints.

The step reflects deepening concerns in Japan over Toyota's recalls of more than 8 million vehicles, most of them in overseas markets.

Transport Minister Seiji Maehara told Japanese lawmakers on Friday that he hopes to try to improve his agency's recall system to respond better to consumer interests, Kyodo news agency reported.

"We will consider reviewing the recall system to make it more familiar to users,"Mr Maehara told a lower house committee.

The agency may require car-makers to move more quickly to fix defects and may expand the types of problems subject to reporting requirements, according to the reports, which also included one in the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. The reports cited unnamed ministry officials.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda is to appear on Wednesday before the US House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Its chairman, Mr Edolphus Towns, virtually compelled Mr Toyoda to attend last week after issuing a formal invitation for him to testify.

Toyota has not given any details of Mr Toyoda's travel plans, though the Japanese newspapers Yomiuri Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun reported he left Japan over the weekend.

Mr Maehara and other Japanese officials have applauded Mr Toyoda's decision to attend the hearing and voiced their support, saying he should use the opportunity to reassure customers angered by recalls over sticking accelerator pedals, accelerators jamming in floor mats and momentarily unresponsive brakes.

US safety regulators are also investigating complaints about power steering in the Corolla, Toyota's top-selling model worldwide, with 1.3 million sold last year. The estimated 500,000 Corollas in question in the US market are not made or sold in Japan.

As Toyota wallows in its recall mess, there has been relatively little talk here about how and why its famously impeccable quality control regime failed - and why mainly in overseas markets.

But a review by the transport ministry could focus on such issues inside Japan, where the company has recalled about 223,000 Prius hybrid cars with braking problems.

The number of complaints over quality and safety issues in the US has dwarfed those in Japan, largely because the millions of Toyota vehicles subject to recalls were made with parts not used in models made and sold in Japan. AP

From TODAY, Monday, 22-Feb-2010

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Toyota Recall: Corollas in the list

Image via Wikipedia

COROLLAS MAY BE RECALLED TOO

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TOKYO - Toyota is considering a recall of its hot-selling Corolla subcompact after complaints about power steering problems, even as company president Akio Toyoda reiterated his promise of a brake-override system in all future models worldwide as an additional safety measure against the acceleration problems behind the current massive recalls.

In the alarming disclosure, the executive in charge of quality controls, Mr Shinichi Sasaki, said Toyota was taking seriously the complaints about power-steering problems in the Corolla, the world's best-selling car.

He said drivers may perceive a strange feeling as though they were losing control over the steering, but it was unclear whether the problem was with the braking system or a problem with the tyres. There have been fewer than 100 complaints.

It was still uncertain if a Corolla recall would be necessary but the auto-maker is considering one, Mr Sasaki said from Toyota's Tokyo office.

The number of affected vehicles is also unclear, but the company was putting customers first in a renewed effort to salvage its reputation and would do whatever is necessary if a fix is needed, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Toyoda said he will not be attending the United States congressional hearing on safety lapses, entrusting the job to US-based executives as he wanted to focus his energies on improving quality worldwide.

The US House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is holding a hearing on Feb 24 on Toyota's accelerator pedal problems. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has scheduled one the next day.

Mr Toyoda promised a brake-override system mechanism that would override the accelerator if the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed at the same time.

Reports of deaths in the United States connected to sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles have surged in recent weeks, with the alleged death toll reaching 34 since 2000, according to new consumer data gathered by the US government.

Mr Toyoda, the grandson of the company's founder, would also head a task force to improve quality control and enable the group to respond more quickly to reports of defects. "We are not covering up anything, and we are not running away from anything,'' he said.

Toyota has also commissioned an independent research organisation to test its electronic throttle system, and will release the findings as they become available.

It took full-page advertisements in major Japanese newspapers yesterday to apologise for the massive recalls, most of which affect cars outside of Japan.

The world's biggest car-maker has published similar ads of apology in US newspapers.

Toyota has recalled 8.5 million vehicles globally during the past four months because of problems with sticking accelerator pedals, floor mats trapping accelerators and faulty brake programming. Agencies

From TODAY, Thursday, 18-Feb-2010

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Japan manufacturers to slow production on weak demand

Japan's manufacturers plan to limit production increases this month and in July, signalling that the economy may be slow to recover from its worst post-war slump.

Gains in output will slow to 3.1 per cent in June from May and 0.9 per cent next month, a Trade Ministry survey released yesterday showed.

Production climbed 5.9 per cent in April and May, the fastest pace in 56 years, the report said.

Industrial production is showing signs of "upward movement", said the ministry. Strong gains among companies making transport equipment, electronic parts and steel products contributed to the improvement in output.

However, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 1 per cent yesterday, due to concerns that demand for Japanese cars and electronics would be too weak to sustain a recovery amid swelling unemployment at home and abroad. Even after boosting output to rebuild depleted inventories, Japanese manufacturers are making 30 per cent fewer goods than they were one year ago.

"The slowdown in the outlook numbers definitely casts doubt on just how sustainable this recovery is," said Mr Tetsuro Sugiura, chief economist at Mizuho Securities Research Institute.

"Companies have been rebuilding stock based on the idea that demand would recover, but however you look at it, it's hard to see that happening." BLOOMBERG

From TODAY, Business – Tuesday, 30-Jun-2009

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Survey shows big Japanese firms less pessimistic

Posted: 22 June 2009 1324 hrs

File picture of a share prices board in Tokyo

TOKYO: Japan's large companies were less pessimistic about the economy in the year's second quarter than they were during the previous three-month period, a government survey has shown.

The large company business sentiment index on current conditions was at minus 22.4 in the second quarter against minus 51.3 in January-March, according to a joint survey by the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet Office.

The index is calculated by taking the percentage of companies that see an improvement in the economy and subtracting from that the percentage of companies that say the economy is getting worse.

The outlook index for big companies stood at minus 2.6 for July-September last year, and at plus 8.7 for the October-December period.

The recent improvement raised expectations that the Bank of Japan's closely watched "Tankan" business confidence survey, due on July 1, may also point towards a bottoming-out of Japan's worst recession since World War II.

The Nikkei financial daily reported on Sunday that the Tankan survey by the central bank would likely show the first improvement in sentiment in two-and-a-half years among major manufacturers.

The index in January-March slumped to a record low of minus 58, as the world's second biggest economy slid deeper into recession.

But it is forecast to recover to minus 41 for the April-June quarter, the daily said, citing estimates by 25 private research bodies.

Official data have shown Japan's economy, Asia's biggest, shrank at an annualised 14.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2009, its worst rate on record.

- AFP/yb

From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.

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Liquid boom

BOTTLED DRINKS
Water manufacturer Pere Ocean looks to grow

Valarie Tan, valarie@mediacorp.com.sg

DESPITE slowing global demand, water manufacturer Pere Ocean is still enjoying solid exports.

The Singapore company sees steady orders of 400,000 bottles of mineral water from Japan every month and is now available in more than 20 hotels in Japan.

And from this month, it plans to export some 150,000 bottles a month to convenience stores in Australia and China.

But before these plans fell into place, things weren't altogether smooth-sailing for Pere Ocean. After sales for its water dispensing services fell by 5 per cent in Malaysia and Singapore towards the end of last year, the firm spent over $100,000 on roadshows and surveys at other overseas markets.

Said Pere Ocean chief executive Jerry Tan (picture): "Last year there were warning signs that the recession was looming, so we had to prepare. So, we sent people out to explore other markets to see what we could do."

Fortunately, said the firm, the shortfall was made up after the Chinese New Year period. It currently provides water dispenser services to 8,000 to 10,000 clients.

The company found that demand for safe drinking water surged after an outbreak of food poisoning cases around the world last year. "Towards the end of last year there was a lot of bad news about products from China and other places. So, people started to look for quality products, even if they had to pay a little bit more. So, we fitted into that category," said Mr Tan.

Pere Ocean has set aside another $750,000 over the next three years to invest in strengthening its brand regionally and develop new health drinks. It believes that demand for its products will grow especially with more people becoming health-conscious in the region.

In branding, Pere Ocean has partnered Singapore sports organisations to provide bursaries to aspiring young athletes. It already partners international brands like Lipton and Nestle through its water dispensing services, and manufactures water for housebrands like NTUC FairPrice that outsource the service.

The company is already looking to set up a second plant in Malaysia, which will cost about $2 million and is expected to be up and running within the next six months to a year. Although it declined to provide exact figures, Pere Ocean projected a 10- to 20-per-cent growth in revenue this year — something the company can drink to during these stormy times. CHANNEL NEWSASIA

From TODAY, Enterprise – Wednesday, 06-May-2009

The paradox of cutting wages

BUSINESS COMMENT

Less pay equals more debt, leading to lower spending and a depressed economy

PAUL KRUGMAN

Falling wages are a symptom of a sick economy. And they're a symptom that can make the economy even more sick.

It's true that many workers are still getting pay increases. But there are enough pay cuts out there that, according to the United States Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average cost of employing workers in the private sector rose only 0.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year — the lowest increase on record. Since the American job market is still getting worse, it wouldn't be at all surprising if overall wages started falling later this year.

But why is that a bad thing? After all, many workers are accepting pay cuts in order to save jobs. What's wrong with that?

The answer lies in one of those paradoxes that plague our economy right now.

We're suffering from the paradox of thrift: Saving is a virtue, but when everyone tries to sharply increase saving at the same time, the effect is a depressed economy. We're suffering from the paradox of deleveraging: Reducing debt and cleaning up balance sheets is good, but when everyone tries to sell off assets and pay down debt at the same time, the result is a financial crisis.

And soon we may be facing the paradox of wages: Workers at any one company can help save their jobs by accepting lower wages, but when employers across the economy cut wages at the same time, the result is higher unemployment.

Here's how the paradox works. Suppose that workers at the XYZ Corporation accept a pay cut. That lets XYZ management cut prices, making its products more competitive. Sales rise, and more workers can keep their jobs. So you might think that wage cuts raise employment — which they do at the level of the individual employer.

But if everyone takes a pay cut, nobody gains a competitive advantage. So there's no benefit to the economy from lower wages. Meanwhile, the fall in wages can worsen the economy's problems on other fronts.

In particular, falling wages, and hence falling incomes, worsen the problem of excessive debt: Your monthly mortgage payments don't go down with your paycheque. America came into this crisis with household debt as a percentage of income at its highest level since the 1930s. Families are trying to work that debt down by saving more than they have in a decade — but as wages fall, they're chasing a moving target. And the rising burden of debt will put downward pressure on consumer spending, keeping the economy depressed.

Things get even worse if businesses and consumers expect wages to fall further in the future. John Maynard Keynes put it clearly, more than 70 years ago: "The effect of an expectation that wages are going to sag by, say, 2 per cent in the coming year, will be roughly equivalent to the effect of a rise of 2 per cent in the amount of interest payable for the same period."

And a rise in the effective interest rate is the last thing the US economy needs.

Concern about falling wages isn't just theory. Japan — where private-sector wages fell an average of more than 1 per cent a year from 1997 to 2003 — is an object lesson in how wage deflation can contribute to economic stagnation.

So what should we conclude from the growing evidence of sagging wages in America? Mainly that stabilising the economy is not enough — we need a real recovery.

The unemployment rate is almost certainly still rising. And all signs point to a terrible job market for many months if not years to come — which is a recipe for continuing wage cuts, which will in turn keep the economy weak.

To break that vicious circle, we basically need more: More stimulus, more decisive action on the banks, more job creation.

Credit where credit is due: President Obama and his economic advisers seem to have steered the economy away from the abyss. But the risk that America will turn into Japan — that we'll face years of deflation and stagnation — seems, if anything, to be rising. THE NEW YORK TIMES

From TODAY, World – Tuesday, 05-May-2009