CULTURE MAPPING

INDIA vs. JAPAN

The theory of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions constitutes a framework revolving around cross-cultural communication, which was devised by Geert Hofstede. The dimensions collectively portray the impact of the culture ingrained in society on the values of the members of that society. This theory studies significant aspects of culture and provides them a rating on a comparison scale.

About Hofstede's Theory..

INDIA vs. JAPAN

India lies in South Asian region. Japan lies in East Asian region.

While Japan is an archipelago, India is part of a larger subcontinent.

Japan is more economically stable and more industrialized than India.

While India had been under foreign rule for many years, Japan does not have a history of foreign invasions.

Japan comprises of a single race. On the other hand, India consists of many races.

In India, caste system is very much prevalent, which is not seen in Japan society.

Basic Difference..1

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Overview

Power Distance is defined as the extent to which the less powerful

members of institutions and organizations within a country

expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.

Power Distance

Power Distance

Japan

High

India

Low

The fundamental issue addressed by this dimension is the degree of

interdependence a society maintains among its members. It has to do with

whether people´s self-image is defined in terms of “I” or “We”. In Individualist societies people are supposed to look

after themselves and their direct family only. In Collectivist societies people

belong to ‘in groups’ that take care of them in exchange for loyalty.

Individualism

Japan

Individualism

India

Collectivist

Individualism

A high score (Masculine) on this dimension indicates that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined

by the winner / best in field – a value system that starts in school and

continues throughout organizational life. A low score (Feminine) on the dimension

means that the dominant values in society are caring for others and quality

of life.

Masculinity

Japan

Masculine

India

Feminine

Masculinity

The dimension Uncertainty Avoidance has to do with the way that a society deals with the fact that the future can

never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen? The extent to which the members feel

threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and

institutions that try to avoid these is reflected in the score on Uncertainty

Avoidance.

Uncertainty Avoidance

Japan

High

India

Low

Uncertainty Avoidance

This dimension describes how every society has to maintain some links with its own past while dealing with the challenges of the present and

future, and societies prioritise these two existential goals differently. 

Long Term Orientation

Japan

High

India

Low

Long Term Orientation

 High-context culture and the contrasting low-context culture

refers to a culture's tendency to use high-context messages over low-

context messages in routine communication.

Communicating

Japan

High Context

India

Low Context

Communicating

Perception and Cognition…

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Decisive vs. Submissive

Loose Time vs. Tight Time

Multiple Events vs. Single Event

Quick Result vs. Big Result

Japan

Submissive

India

Decisive

Decisive vs. Submissive

Japan

Tight

India

Loose

Loose Time vs. Tight Time

Japan

Single

India

Multiple

Multiple Events vs. Single Event

Japan

Big

India

Quick

Quick Result vs. Big Picture

Decision and Communication…

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3

4

Suggestion vs. Statement

Emotional vs. Contained

Avoiding Risks vs. Embracing Risk

Hierarchical vs. Democratic

Japan

Statement

India

Suggestion

Suggestion vs. Statement

Japan

Contained

India

Emotional

Emotional vs. Contained

Japan

Embracing

India

Avoiding

Avoiding Risks vs. Embracing Risk

Japan

Democratic

India

Hierarchical

Hierarchical vs. Democratic

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.

“ “- Anonymous

SELF AND SOCIETY…

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Linear Time vs. Flexible Time

Task – Based vs. Relationship – Based

Doing vs. Being

Outgoing vs. Reserved

Japan

Flexible

India

Linear

Linear Time vs. Flexible Time

Japan

Relationship

India

Task

Task vs. Relationship

Japan

Doing

India

Being

Doing vs. Being

Japan

Reserved

India

Outgoing

Outgoing vs. Reserved

{ }Conclusion

Thus, we conclude that the people of India and Japan are very similar on a collective level but different on an

individual level.

THANK YOUI002 – Vaideeshwari

I006 – Apoorv

I013 – Uthkarsh

I019 – Nikhil

I025 – Sayali