Cultural differences between Japanese and Australians in trading relationships

¶ … Group

Case Study-Group

In what way do you consider that cultural differences between the Japanese and Australians have impacted on how this trading relationship was developed?

History teaches the people on how Australia was a country made up of immigrants who were mostly from Britain. The unwanted moved to Australia and tried developing it. The low class Asians also flooded Australia and it became more of a cosmopolitan country due to the mixed race. The Australians are known for not holding on to their past (Les 2012). With the population of Japan being over three times that of Australia, more food stuff is required in Japan. Japan is known for its advanced technology which has raised the lifestyles of its people. This means they demand for better food and not genetically modified foods. Having received a consignment from America which contained genetically modified soya meant for the animals, the Japanese were cautious because they needed the soya for human feed. Australia is known for their chemical free foods due to the favorable weather.

Japan is known for its discipline and strictness in whatever they do. The export manager knew well how to handle them by creating a relationship between them. By inviting them to Australia farms, the Japanese definitely trusted these producers hence gave them the business. Australia had an overflow of the soya markets due to the high productions in the country with less demands. This prompted the manager of the soya company to look for International markets which included Japan. This is because Japan produces very little in food production despite the high population. Both countries have had a close relationship because while Japan was providing for electrical equipment during cold weather, Australia was providing sheep wool for their winter fur coats. Australians have been known to work together without allowing power distance unlike Japan where the powerful are addressed with extra respect. Long-term orientation is a problem with the Japanese because they hang on to the past unlike the Australians who live for the day (Brewer, Sherrif 2007).

Do you think the way in which the exporter in this case has developed and maintained this trading relationship is representative of Western exporters in general who wish to trade with Japan?

The manger in this case came up with a special strategy which is not a representative of all western exporters. This is because he made sure he had a contact resident in Japan who would research on Japans interest at a close view. He also made a mental note that it was up to him to take long flights to Japan in order to assess the situation there and see how the production is done making sure it is free of any chemicals. Most of the exporters do not go to that length.

The manager also welcomed the buyers from Japan to the farms in order for them to see what transpires on the farms (Les 2012). This definitely confirms to the buyers that no chemicals or genetically modified foods are grown on their farms. Many exporters do not go to this length because most of the times they are not genuine with their products. This built a strong mutual trust between the two countries in their trade.

What advice about developing appropriate socio-cultural relations would you give to Australian exporters contemplating developing new export markets in Japan?

Japan has been known for humility and the way they have respect for all. Their self-discipline is high and they have addressed emphasis on their manners. Most cultures have lacked this due to globalization. Anyone considering developing new export markets in Japan has to adhere with all this. They have respect for the authority and they use a different tone on them. They might want to be addressed as 'sir' and this has an impact on the relationship between them and the exporter.

In order to create a rapport with the Japanese, one has to be a perfectionist and trusted. They take everything seriously and in order to earn their trust, there has to be humility. In Japan, a business card is exchanged before hand unlike other cultures where the card comes in later as an after thought. These are some of the traditions one should be conversant with.

It is important to observe their old traditions which they have clung on. For example one can not touch the other while talking because that is trespass to them. They believe in big smiles during conversations since they show the person is not bored. Lateness for meeting is taken as impoliteness. All these are areas to be watched if one intends to work with the Japanese.