Global Management Thnking: Even in Japan?

What qualities do global managers need even in Japan?

A brief review from The Cultural Dimension of International Business might include;

1. Broad perspective: the global manager needs to develop the broadest possible perspective.

2. Appreciate other perspectives; Being able to understand the perspectives of others beyond just your own.

3. Cognitive complexity: Being able to differentiate and integrate different ideas and perspectives.

4. Cognitive flexibility: The need to be curious, non-judgmental and open to new ways of thinking.

5. Personal autonomy: Understanding other ideas without losing your own identity.

6. Perceptual acuity: Able to derive value from all cultures and subcultures.

7. Emotional resilience: Must be able handle challenges as they occur in different global settings.

8. Balance contradictions: Being able to understand and balance different needs and demands as they occur.

9. Willingness to make risky decisions: A global leader at times must take risks that are not easy.

10. Global network: Global leaders need to emphasize cultural awareness and cross-cultural teamwork.

Commentary:

This list is just some ideas that global leaders, anywhere may need. Most managers or global managers probably have ideas or skills already and or they subconsciously use them and don't even know it

Global business, global management, these days, is not just about being in an overseas position.  Because of advancements in technology and logistics, managers, even in domestic positions, might have to communicate, in one way or another, with global customers, partners, and global/foreign employees overseas.

A manager may never be posted overseas but still need to understand and communicate with global customers, suppliers, logistics stakeholders and so on.

As such it is imperative that managers understand the global environment where ever they are, including the global economy, and what is happening in the global economy, and what if any what affect does it have on their companies position in the global economy.

Managers etc. do not need to be economists to understand what is going on around them. They don't need to have a degree in economics. But they should be able to assess and understand the practical  forces and variables related what is happening and be able to take appropriate action as needed.

Reference:  Ferraro, G.P. (2006). The cultural dimension of international business (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.

© 2020, Tom Metts, all rights reserved