Navigating American and Japanese Corporate Cultures: Should We Have Separate HR Teams?

Hi, I'm in the HR department of an IT company working with both American and Japanese clients. I understand that both of these countries have extreme corporate cultures. Can you help me identify them? Is it advisable to have two different departments dealing with them individually? If your answer is no, then please let me know the culture that we need to adopt to have a smooth long-term relationship with both these clients.

Regards, Soumya Shankar

"I understand that both these countries have extreme corporate cultures."

Why would you say that? Regarding two different departments? You could have two HR resources dedicated to each line of business to cater to their specific needs. I am not sure how you are set up in doing business with both these countries. Do you have expatriates coming in and working with you in India from these countries? Unless you are a subsidiary, you could have your own workplace culture.

Hi Amit,

I suggest bringing in new policies and culture to deal with both so that everybody can enjoy collectively.

Regards,
Amit Kashmire

Hi Soumya,

I am in the HR department of an IT company working with both American and Japanese clients. I understand that both these countries have extreme corporate cultures. Can you help me identify them? Is it advisable to have two different departments dealing with them individually? If your answer is no, then please let me know the culture that we need to adopt to have a smooth long-term relation with both these clients.

I can understand your dilemma in handling two cultures - which are a little different, but I won't say it's in the extremes as well! For instance, Japanese clients usually talk less and are very courteous and formal, while Americans tend to be gregarious and casual. From my experience - the Japanese are not as rigid as they used to be earlier - thanks to Globalization!

I do not know the level of interactions you have from an HR perspective - but it would be mostly for travel and ticketing arrangements and administration-related. Correct me if I am wrong. If so, it's better to hire a person who understands the Japanese language and customs and is conversant with their culture and norms. I am sure you can handle American clients as well.

If it is from Business Development or support function - do the same as above - creating a separate department may not be a good idea at this stage.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheerio,
Rajat

Hi,

I am in the HR department of an IT company working with both American and Japanese clients. I understand that both these countries have extreme corporate cultures. Can you help me identify them? Is it advisable to have two different departments dealing with them individually? If your answer is no, then please let me know the culture that we need to adopt to have a smooth long-term relationship with both these clients.

Regards, Soumya Shankar

These days, many IT companies in India seem to provide special training to their selected employees on things Japanese, such as the Japanese language, cross-cultural programs that train people on the work culture of Japan, etc. Coming to your point, my feeling is that one department should be able to handle the kind of operations you mentioned. However, it is always better if you have someone specializing in Japanese business practices.

Another important point is the "smooth long-term relationship." In the case of Japanese clients, this is UTMOST important. You cannot win a long-term relationship with Japanese business houses by showcasing a few success stories. ONLY the best feedback on each project for a very long time proves that you have "consistency" in outputting your results, and only then can you build a customer who will seldom leave you.

My two yen's worth :)

Cheers, Ash.