Operating in Japan

Author: Stephens, Charlotte S

Source: Executive Development, Volume 8, Number 1, 1995 , pp. 23-26(4)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Japanese companies are successfully operating in other countriesbut foreign companies operating in Japan have not been as successful. Anexception to this experience is the insurer, American Family LifeAssurance Corporation (AFLAC), headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, USA.Over 75 per cent of its revenues are generated in Japan. Nevertheless,when AFLAC's chief information officer initiated a joint developmentinformation systems project with AFLAC's Japan branch, he faced manydifficulties. Moving to Japan to facilitate this project, he finds themanagement process perplexing in terms of communication, officepolitics, and cultural differences. Since information-systems workinvolves teamwork, working with these differences is essential tomultinational corporations.

Keywords: International Business; Multinationals; National Cultures; Training

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1108/09533239510079536

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