BACHELOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT WITH HONOURS

MAY / 2023

BBSB4103

CROSS CULTURAL MANAGEMENT

NO. MATRIKULASI : 740127105496001

NO. KAD PENGENALAN : 740127105496
NO. TELEFON : 013-3305822
E-MEL : nahafainah@oum.edu.my

PUSAT PEMBELAJARAN : SHAH ALAM LEARNING CENTRE

 Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
2.0 BACKGROUND OF SELECTED COUNTRIES..........................................................2
2.1 Malaysia......................................................................................................................2
2.2 Japan............................................................................................................................2
3.0 CULTURE VARIATION IN MALAYSIA....................................................................4
3.1 People..........................................................................................................................4
3.2 Language.....................................................................................................................4
3.3 Religion.......................................................................................................................5
3.4 Customs.......................................................................................................................5
4.0 CULTURE VARIATION IN JAPAN............................................................................6
4.1 People..........................................................................................................................6
4.2 Language.....................................................................................................................6
4.3 Religion.......................................................................................................................6
4.4 Customs.......................................................................................................................7
5.0 THE EFFECT OF CULTURAL VARIATION ON WORKPLACE CROSS-
CULTURAL COMMUNICATION...........................................................................................8
5.1 Language.....................................................................................................................9
5.2 Social interaction.........................................................................................................9
5.3 Punctuality.................................................................................................................10
6.0 SUMMARY..................................................................................................................11
part ii: ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPANT............................................................................12
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................14
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INTRODUCTION
Cross-cultural discussions is when people from different countries talk and work
together in a business setting. It has to do with how well people change their way of
communicating to the culture of their coworkers. Building a good work atmosphere and
getting the best out of team members require strong cross-cultural speaking skills.
Diversity is a strength and a key value that all companies should have, and it's important
for both personal and business ties to encourage open and flexible conversation with
people from all walks of life. This assignment examines cultural differences in
communication between Malaysian and Japanese people with an emphasis on how these
differences affect professional situations. The goal is to use the information gathered in
this area to better understand how cross-cultural communication affects people.

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2.0 BACKGROUND OF SELECTED COUNTRIES

2.1 Malaysia
Malaysia is a federal country in Southeast Asia. The South China Sea separates
the two main parts of the country. The Malaysian peninsula, which used to be called
Tanah Malaya, was the most important place for trade in Southeast Asia. Johor became
an economic link to India and China. Malaysia got rid of British government on August
31, 1957. At that time, it was called the Federation of Malaya, and it was made up of 11
states on the peninsula. The country has a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional
monarchy. The Council of Malay Rulers chooses the Yang DiPertuan Agong every five
years.
Malaysians come from four main races: the Bumiputera people of Peninsular
Malaysia (53%), the Bumiputera people of East Malaysia (10%), the Chinese race (27%),
and the Indian race (10%). Malaysians practice Islam (59%), Buddhism (23%),
Christianity (10%), Hinduism (1%), and Sikhism (1%), among other religions. Malaysia
is a mixed society because it has people of different races and religions living together.
Unity and peace between races are important for this society to work. Malaysia has a lot
of different cultures, habits, beliefs, and ways of life, which makes it a popular place for
people from all over the world.
Malaysia's founding has helped the country become known around the world,
bring its people together, and grow its economy. Malaysia's previous government did a
good job of keeping the country's different races and cultures working together. This
made Malaysia a model for other developed countries on how to keep their societies and
economies working together.

2.2 Japan
Japan, which is also called Nihon or Yamato, is a country made up of four main
islands: Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido. There are four seasons in the country:
spring, summer, fall, and winter. The average temperature in Japan changes every year.
In the winter, the western and northwestern shore places are cool because they have air
conditioning. Japan's economy is strong because it has a lot of natural resources and
goods, especially coal, but not much land that can be used to grow crops. Sulfur minerals
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are abundant due to busy volcanic outbursts. Japan is also full of iron, zinc, aluminum,
chrome, magnesium, and uranium, among other things. Mount Fuji is the most well-
known mountain in Japan. It stands 12,461 meters tall.
Japan is in the Asia-Pacific region, which is also known as the "Far East."
Volcanic lava is the main thing that makes the land fertile and good for farming.
Agriculture and fishing were the main ways that people made money in Japan. Most of
the islands of Honshu have fertile plains that are good for farming. Kanto, Kinai, and
TelukIse are three of these plain areas. Because the earth is not all the same shape, with
hills or mountains divided by rivers, transportation and communication are not all the
same. The Shinano River, which is the longest, is less good for light travel because it is
small. They are very important to Japan's ocean supplies, which are used in irrigation
systems, farmland, industry, and fishing.

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3.0 CULTURE VARIATION IN MALAYSIA

The major ethnic communities in Malaysia are Malays, Chinese, and Indians. The
country has a multicultural culture with people of many different races and faiths. The
national government and local community administration place a high focus on
togetherness, highlighting Malaysia's distinction from other nations. The Bumiputera and
Peranakan are other races. Each race in Malaysia has its own distinct identity, which is
reflected in the country's complex ethnic diversity and its varied culture. However, a
shared culture that unites all races serves as a symbol of Malaysia's uniqueness.

3.1 People
Malaysia is a diverse and multi-ethnic country with diverse cultural identities. The
original culture originated from native groups and the Malay people who moved there.
Cultural integration between ethnic communities is challenging due to the government's
structure and power distribution. The Malays, who make up over half of the population,
have the most government power. The Orang Asal, the majority in East Malaysia and
Borneo, are the first people to live in Malaya. The Chinese Peranakan, the second-largest
ethnic group, have lived there for centuries, adopting Malay customs while maintaining
their own culture. The Indian group has the smallest population, with most people being
Indian. Malaysia is also home to Eurasians, a mix of Europeans and Malay people. In
Malacca, a small group of people are relatives of Portuguese traders who married Malay
women.

3.2 Language
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country with three main ethnic groups: Malays,
Chinese, and Indians. Each group has several dialects or variations of the main language,
as well as dozens of minority languages spoken throughout the country. The official and
national language in Malaysia is Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, which serves as the basis
for national integration. However, the government recognizes the importance of English
as an international language and plans to teach it as a strong second language. Dialectal
differences exist within the three major ethnic groups, with Malays speaking ten different
dialects based on their geographical locations. Chinese speakers speak Mandarin and
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different dialects, such as Foochow, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Hakka, based on ethnic
origins. Indian speakers speak Tamil as it is their native language, and some of them also
speak Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Telugu.

3.3 Religion
The majority of the population of Malaysia practices Islam, which is the official
religion of the nation. But there are also a lot of Hindus, Buddhists, Chinese Malaysians,
and indigenous people in Borneo and other far-flung portions of the nation. Because all
Malay people are Muslims, Islam is the characteristic that sets Malay people apart from
non-Malays. While Indians embrace Hinduism and Punjabi Sikhs pursue Sikhism,
Chinese Malaysians adhere to Buddhism or Daoism. Additionally, Pakistanis live in
Malaysia, where they mostly practice Islam and uphold its principles. Malayasia is a
place where many racial and religious groups live in harmony. Indigenous non-
Malaysians, such as the Orang Asli, have embraced Islam as their religion, although
many continue to practice their native faiths and uphold their ethnic beliefs.

3.4 Customs
In Malaysia, there are several traditions and customs pertaining to attire. They
only wear a certain kind of costume for a specified period of time. Malaysians don't have
many restrictions, but they also don't appreciate being hugged, kissed, or having their
voices raised in public. They also dislike having their heads touched because they see
them as holy bodily parts. One of the acceptable customs in Malaysia is shaking hands.
But other ladies would rather simply nod their heads than shake hands. In Malaysia, it's
customary to take your shoes off before entering a home. Beverages may be given to you;
accept them. Using your right hand while eating or serving food is customary in Islamic
nations. Shoe removal is required while entering mosques and temples. In places of
worship, it is customary to take pictures, but you should always get permission
beforehand.

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4.0 CULTURE VARIATION IN JAPAN

Japan has a rich culture with deep roots that go back thousands of years and a
constantly changing society. Its fast trends, styles, and technological advances push the
limits of what is possible, making for an interesting society that is always changing.

4.1 People
The majority of people in Japan are of Japanese ethnicity, making it a
linguistically and racially homogenous culture (Yamoto). The government communicates
in a standardized form in Japanese (Nihongo), which is also the official language. Local
and regional dialects, however, may vary, and older generations sometimes talk in their
regional dialects. Furthermore, ethnically diverse communities exist in Japan, including
the native Ainu and Rykyan people as well as ethnic Koreans. Due to their modest
population sizes, these communities, as minority groups, confront particular difficulties.

4.2 Language
Over 130 million people worldwide and in Japan speak Japanese, an agglutinative
language. It has a complex honorific system that reflects the hierarchical structure of
Japanese society, with verb forms and vocabulary signifying speaker, recipient, and
person status. The language is written with Chinese characters, kanji, hiragana, and
katakana, and modern Japanese uses the Latin alphabet, rmaji. Due to trade relationships,
the vocabulary has been significantly influenced by loanwords from other languages,
including Chinese, Indo-European languages, and Dutch.

4.3 Religion
Shintoism and Buddhism are both parts of Japan's faith. Shintoism is the native
religion, and Buddhism is the religion of this world and life. It is a family matter that has
nothing to do with the government and is not talked about in everyday life. Religion,
which strengthens family and group ties, is a bigger part of Japanese identity than faith.
Shintoism is a big part of Japanese culture. Ikebana, bonsai, Japanese yard design, and
the yearly cherry festival are all ways that Shintoism is shown in art. On the other hand,
Buddhism is interested in the mind and the future. Japan is home to both Shinto and
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Buddhism, and shrines and churches show how both religions are practiced. Japan has
religious events like New Year's and O-Bon, and when a child is born, the family goes to
a shrine to celebrate. Marriage ceremonies combine Eastern and Western customs.

4.4 Customs
Japanese customs are a big part of their society, and foreigners may not know about
some of the most popular ones. Bowing is a way to show respect, regret, thanks, and
hello. It is done in shops, restaurants, and when meeting people. There are different ways
to bow, like the 45-degree saikeirei bow for a true apology and the 30-degree keirei bow
for people who are more important than you. Another practice in Japan is that shoes are
taken off before entering traditional buildings to keep them clean and show respect.

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5.0 THE EFFECT OF CULTURAL VARIATION ON WORKPLACE CROSS-

CULTURAL COMMUNICATION
In today's international business environment, understanding different cultures is
essential since it facilitates navigating nuanced terminology and complicated
relationships. People have distinct ways of perceiving things because of different cultural
ways of hearing, absorbing, and processing diverse things. As a result of globalization,
the study of intercultural communication has expanded, and diversity and foreign
language instruction are becoming more common among people of all ages and
ethnicities.
Numerous academic researchers assert that the assessment of distinct cultural values
holds significant relevance in forecasting the diverse attitudes and behaviors exhibited by
individuals (Kirkman et al., 2006; Sun et al., 2014; Tsui et al., 2007).Undoubtedly, the
examination of cross-cultural contexts necessitates a thorough understanding of cultural
values. In such contexts, the perspectives of individuals towards foreign subjects are
greatly shaped by their own cultural values (Fischer and Poortinga, 2012; Yoo, 2009;
Yoo and Donhu, 2005).
In a workplace characterized by cultural diversity, individuals hailing from various
nations may possess distinct frames of reference and emotional dispositions, thereby
contributing to the enhanced efficacy of the workforce. Overcoming cultural
communication barriers is crucial in order to foster a more cohesive and effective
workforce. Malaysia and Japan are two Asian nations characterized by collectivist
cultural orientations, while also exhibiting notable disparities in terms of ethnicity and
religion. Malaysia embodies a synthesis of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultural practices,
resulting in a pluralistic and multicultural society that is deeply rooted in principles of
social harmony, religious diversity, and national pride. The culture of Japan, which has a
history dating back to 10,000BC, is characterized by its richness and diversity. It is
noteworthy that several fundamental aspects of Japanese culture can be traced back to
their origins in China. The convergence of these two distinct cultural backgrounds within
a corporate environment has the potential to give rise to interpersonal discord among
Japanese and Malaysian employees, necessitating effective management strategies to
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mitigate the risk of detrimental emotions, increased employee attrition, and expensive
legal disputes.

5.1 Language
Effective communication relies heavily on language, which encompasses both verbal
and non-verbal forms. Differences in both oral and written languages can lead to
misunderstandings and impede intercultural dialogue. The significance of spoken
language within a culture cannot be overstated, with international languages such as
English playing a crucial role in effectively communicating desired messages. Japanese
individuals exhibit a preference for employing non-committal language and silence as
opposed to explicit verbal communication. The inclination to prioritize the preservation
of interpersonal connections and the aversion to engaging in confrontational situations
can result in the delivery of ambiguous responses, which may be subject to
misinterpretation by individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Misunderstandings
can also arise from limited language proficiency when English is not regarded as the
primary mode of communication. Code switching is a linguistic phenomenon observed
among Malaysians, wherein they alternate between different languages or dialects during
communication. This practice is often employed to foster a sense of friendliness and
camaraderie. However, it is worth noting that the inclusion of the particle "la" in their
speech may potentially impede effective communication.
Language serves as a fundamental component of every culture, and the utilization of
effective nonverbal communication, specifically body language, proves advantageous in
elucidating the intended significance of verbal messages. In order to mitigate the
potential challenges associated with miscommunication and nonverbal cues, it is
imperative for individuals in Japan to acquire and assimilate foreign languages with
precision and sensitivity, thereby minimizing any negative emotional responses.

5.2 Social interaction

Employees, managers, buyers, and clients all play a role in making a workplace
efficient and pleasant. Japanese workers are known for always wanting to work and
taking their jobs very seriously. Japanese workers respect each other and put the needs of
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others before their own. They also treat long-term employees with a lot of respect. They
work for peace and togetherness by putting in more work than they have to. Malaysians
value getting along with others, respecting their leaders, having faith, saving face, and
working as a group. They like people with "soft power" who are kind, quiet, and
persistent in what they want. Both countries use "soft power" in the way they talk to each
other at work, which keeps disagreements to a minimum and makes it easy to solve
problems.

5.3 Punctuality
Punctuality is the ability to be punctual, arrive on time for meetings, and complete
tasks on time. It is crucial in both personal and professional settings, as it helps make a
good first impression, perform well, and be recognized. Punctuality is a key aspect of
Japanese culture, as trains are rarely late and sometimes apologize for any
inconveniences. This trust between team members allows them to complete tasks and
projects on time. Being on time also helps everyone work faster, as no one has to wait. In
Malaysia, punctuality is considered normal, and being late often means missing an hour
of work. However, Malaysians often face issues for not adhering to agreed-upon times,
which can create a negative impression of "Malaysian time." Punctuality is essential in
Japanese culture, as it impacts both personal and business lives. By maintaining
punctuality, building trust, and creating a culture of trust, companies can perform better
work and build a better image as reliable.

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6.0 SUMMARY
Cultural diversity refers to the different ways people act in different parts of the
world, and knowing other cultures is important for getting along with people from
different places. Malaysia is a country with many different kinds of people, including
Malay, Chinese, and Indians. The country has a mixed atmosphere. On the other hand,
Japan has many different cultural groups. The important ones are Yamato and Ryukyuan.
But there are some differences between Malaysia and Japan, like how Japanese
companies work and how Japan's "Look East Policy" is carried out. Cross-cultural
training programs, educational debate, talks, and study should be put in place so that
expats and locals can learn more about how their cultures are different.
Cultural variety in a company makes it a better place to work and makes the
company better overall. It teaches different skills, like how to get along with people who
speak different languages and come from different countries. Language differences don't
get in the way of conversation because English can be used as a bridge language. This
helps workers get better at English, which is a world language. This makes workers feel
better about their jobs and gives companies a good name as good places to work.
Supporting people from different backgrounds also makes potential customers feel like
they are respected, which brings more business to the company. Companies can serve
customers all over the world because they have a wide range of skills and experiences
that help them connect with and understand their customers on a human level.

Total Wording: 2879

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PART II: ONLINE CLASS PARTICIPANT

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

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No. 4

No. 5

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ATTACHMENT

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