Cultural Factors Affecting Business Development

International marketing or business is uniquely different from the local market because the product price, place and promotion is vastly different from what is been offered to local customers (Johansson, 2000) With the emergence of the information technology, cross border marketing has never been a distant dream. However, it has never been easier even for giant multinational companies to face challenges that come in international business. The biggest challenge comes from the culture which varies from country to country.

A firm 's international marketing program must generally be modified and adapted to foreign markets. This international marketing program uses strategies to accomplish its marketing goals. Within each foreign nation, the firm is likely to find a combination of marketing environment and target markets that are different from those of its own home country and other foreign countries. It is important that in international marketing, product, pricing, distribution and promotional strategies be adapted accordingly. In order for an international firm to function properly, cultural, social, economic, and legal forces within the country must be clearly understood.

The U.S and Japan are both huge and powerful modern industrialized countries. However, both have similarities and differences in the way they function. First some general information about both countries. In Japan, you would make roughly around 29.7 percent less money every year compared to if you lived in the U.S. Also, if you lived in Japan you would have a longer lifespan of about 5 years and consume 44 percent less electricity. If you lived in Japan, you would be less likely to be unemployed by about 43 percent with American unemployment rate being about 7.1 percent compared to Japans 4.3. However, overall if you lived in japan you are still 6 percent more likely to live below the poverty line with 16 percent of the Japanese population living below the poverty line compared to the U.S 15.1 percent.

The Japanese prefer belonging to a group, their personal relationships prevail over tasks, for them pursuing personal success is frowned upon (Miles, 2006). Whereas, in America, individuals are individualistic, people take care of their own selves and believe success is attained by their independent work, which is known as the “American dream” (Silver, 2002). Second, in Japan power distance--how power and authority is perceived--is visible through hierarchy, which represents the high power difference in the country. For instance, in Japan the most important aspect is respect for the elderly and dutifulness to seniority (Garcia, 2015). In regards to uncertainty avoidance, which indicates how comfortable people are with risk and ambiguity, the Japanese avoid uncertainty, they attempt to prepare for any situation. Japanese culture is highly ritualized, meaning they have several ceremonies, and each ceremony has a set of rules and proceedings that must be followed (Miles, 2006). Additionally, Japan has the traits of a masculine culture, one that values advancement, assertiveness, and earning and acquiring things (Johnson,

For centuries, Japan went through different political transformations and iron fisted rulers which shaped its present standing, starting from a nation of regionally independent governments to a more unitary system. However, since the birth of their first political models, Japan has strongly maintained their hierarchical system which still dominates their bureaucratic organization today.

The U.S and Japan are both huge and powerful modern industrialized countries. However, both have similarities and differences in the way they function. First some general information about both countries. In Japan, you would make roughly around 29.7 percent less money every year compared to if you lived in the U.S. Also, if you lived in japan you would have a longer lifespan of about 5 years and consume 44 percent less electricity. If you lived in Japan, you would be less likely to be unemployed by about 43 percent with American unemployment rate being about 7.1 percent compared to Japans 4.3. However, overall if you lived in japan you are still 6 percent more likely to live below the poverty line with 16 percent of the Japanese population living below the poverty line compared to the U.S 15.1 percent.

Making business abroad can be risky, but it can also be profitable for a company as well; thus the necessity to study in deep the country where the company will bring the business to. International companies are faced with many cultural challenges, when doing business across and inside of different borders. Identifying the significant cultural issues involved when evaluating the attractiveness of a particular location as a place for doing business can be crucial for a business. Aspects to consider when studying culture in a new place

Japan has a history of formality and of family, The United States has a history of expansion and individualism. These two cultures are both similar and different as expected, but which one is better? Taking a look at what makes them different would decide that. We will look at different aspects of life that differ such as food, housing, societal culture, and the economies of these two cultures. One look at the typical diets of these two shows an obvious difference, Japan is all about the freshness of their food, while The United States are care more about convenience, this comes down to the type of food eaten by both cultures.

This is an international marketing strategy that largely focuses on the commercial efforts and advertising on the benefits of concentrating on local markets rather than using global or universal approach. This, therefore, means that the company will employ work towards understanding culture of different local markets in various countries and try to enter into the studied market using the demographics in that area. The greatest effort required in this strategy is using advertising as well presentation to try and appease local sensibilities in various countries rather than applying a mass market strategy. So that this strategy can be successful it is crucial to carry out extensive research in different countries that the company hopes to invest (Leontiades, 2010). By learning how the company can be able to create a good connection with the consumers in various countries using multi-domestic strategy can assist to build a lot of tactics which can be integrated into markets that have many similarities. Learning how to closely associate with customers will also assist customize marketing and advertising efforts to match with the present local culture. Although multi-domestic strategy may be somehow expensive to employ its end result are more profitable to the company. When the company’s products are able to

Japan was one of the first Asian countries to have a successful economy. Unlike other economies, Japan gew through high input and efficiency growth. It was clear back then that Japan was certain to catch up, or at least come close to the United State’s economy. Despite their past growth though, they have since slowed down and reach a plateau of growth. It was predicted that they would surpass the United States by 1998, but instead hit its limits. Japan was unique compared to its neighboring countries like its big brother

The business world has changed greatly over the years. Many business owners who previously were restricted to their geographical region or continent now find they are doing business in the far corners of the globe. While this is a good thing, individuals need to take care to ensure they do not offend a person they are doing business with. Often, offences are unintentional, but they can do a great deal of harm in a short period of time. For this reason, every individual doing business in another country must be aware of the culture and cultural habits for the optimal results. This is especially true when it comes to the Differences between Eastern and Western Business Culture.

Outline why the culture of a country might influence the costs of doing business in that country.

establishes their rituals and justifies what are their norms and values. Businesses wanting to expand to different nations must take into account the countries’ culture and values in order to produce and manufacture products and services according to the norms of their society, and ensure their culture is respected and preserved in the way the products are marketed and manufactured. The products must be available and accessible without concerns of dissing religion and aspects of their culture and way of life.

Japan is the third largest economy by nominal GDP, $4.6 trillion, and fourth largest economy by purchasing power parity. In addition,

When dealing with intercultural business a person should be well aware of the characteristics of the culture he is to be in contact with. He should be well prepared to face attitudes not common in his home country.