Cultural Aspects of Moving to Japan Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Kelly's Assignment in Japan - Case Study Example Based on the information given in the case study there could be identified several clashes in cultural customs and expectations. The first clash in cultural customs and expectations has occurred when Kelly and her family arrived in Tokyo and saw their new apartment. Despite a high rent price, their new apartment was very tiny that they could hardly move fit in their personal belongings. This was the first big disappointment for the whole family. The second clash in culture customs has occurred when Kelly exchanged the handshake greetings with Japanese colleagues. In Japan bowing and presenting business cards are absolutely appropriate and expected forms of greeting. Moreover, the formalized exchange of business cards is the whole ritual in Japan, called â€Å"the meishi† (Gesteland, 2005). A handshake is appropriate for Europeans and Americans, but not for Japanese (Reisinger, 2009). The Japanese bow is an important aspect of non-verbal communication, which represents respect, personal humility and social harmony (Nixon & West, 1995). The fact that the new boss was a foreigner, and more importantly a woman was another serious clash in cultural customs, as in such culture as in Japan with high masculinity index, woman-boss and foreigner is a foremost difference (Solomon & Schell, 2009; Yoshida, Yashiro, and Suzuki, 2013). Another clash has occurred when Kelly asked the teams to prepare presentations. The Japanese were reluctant to preparing it as they perceived that group commitment was required for it. This behavior can be explained by differences in context orientation, as Americans have individualistic orientation, while Japanese – group orientation (Reisinger, 2009).  

Bitter Competition The Holland Sweetener Company Versus NutraSweet Essay

Bitter Competition The Holland Sweetener Company Versus NutraSweet. Harvard Business School 9794079 Rev November 13, 2000 - Essay Example The company might also use its strong brand equity to combat threats of competition. Even though it gained a name in the consumer market, NutraSweet's revenue still largely come from other business organizations like Coke and Pepsi. In response to the entry of competitors, the company is expected to further forged stronger partnerships with them by giving them special discounts or by decreasing its prices outright. With the aforementioned discussion, it a price war is more likely to happen between NutraSweet and Holland Sweetener Company (HSC). In competing in the market, HSC will capitalize in its production efficiency which will enable it to price more competitively. In fact, what HSC really desires is the lower the price level of aspartame in the market. With this move, it is expected that NutraSweet will respond competitively by lowering its prices especially in the industrial sector. However, in the consumer segment, NutraSweet will maintain its prices and further differentiate its products from the offering of other industry entrants.