The Culture Influence in Business Psychology

Lack of Cultural Diversity in Mr. Mark Jones’ New Job

I’ve felt the need to talk about some important characteristics of Mr. Mark Jones’ new employment since he was just transferred as a production manager from Chicago to Osaka, Japan. My main issue in this email is the lack of cultural diversity in his new job. Additionally, the setting takes into account how cultural variations may affect Mark’s potential for experiencing personal changes. In addition, I offered suggestions on how managers might lessen transition issues when working abroad. One of the cultural differences that Mark is likely to experience is Power Distance Index (PDI) which is the degree to which people of a particular culture accept the inequality in power distribution. According to Hofstede, high power distance index is prevalent in Japan compared to the United States. The implication is that employees in Japan are likely to listen more to their superiors without questioning their decisions as compared to their counterparts in the US who share power equally. I also expect the cultural aspect on individualism vs. collectivism to have adverse effects on Mark. In individualistic cultures like in the US, the principle of independence and self-reliance is upheld. Conversely, in a collective society like that of Japan, the benefits of society are prioritized over an individual.

Adverse Effects of Cultural Differences on Mark

I also anticipate that Mark will experience high uncertainty avoidance when managing front-line plant workers in Japan in contrast to those in the United States. According to Hofstede, uncertainty avoidance dimension describes how well people can cope with anxiety. He notes that people in Japan have a high level of risk avoidance compared to those in the United States. It is expected that the cultural differences of Japan will have adverse effects on individual differences Mark will experience considering that culture plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s personality.

Recommendations for Managers to Minimize Transition Problems

To take up tasks overseas with minimum transition problems, I would recommend that managers ensure that they are aware of the culture and the laws of their new workplace. Additionally, it is essential for managers to make changes to their previous management policies so that they can comply with those of their new organization. Lastly, it is important that managers make personal adjustments, especially when determining their leadership styles in their new working environment. By considering these recommendations, managers will have minimum transition problems when taking up tasks overseas.

Best Regards

I-O psychologist.