How was the training?

In the morning session, after the ice-breaking session, the instructor, Ms. Weeranuch explained difference of cultural values between the Thai and Japanese derived from various factors which influence the national culture, such as geographic, historic, religion, education and language. All participants were very cooperative and the atmosphere in the room was very lively.

In the afternoon session, Ms. Weeranuch lectured on “Hofstede 6-D model”(※１). The participants took "Culture Survey"assessment（※３） and objectively grasp their own sense of cultural values by number. Participants also demonstrated how to greet and how to exchange business cards as examples of some of the most unique behaviors reflecting Japanese cultural values. Through group works and case analysis, participants deepen their understanding of the Japanese values and they will be able to apply 6-D model as a practical skill in their own workplace.

In the case study session, the participants had a group discussion about a practical case, and shared various doubts and challenges they have about Japanese people’s behavior and/or companies’ culture. Not only the instructor provided answers and her opinions based on Hofstede's theory and her own experience, but also all participants shared their experiences & thoughts each other. For example, one of the participants just started working and never had working with Japanese people before, so others shared their working experiences and supported the participant. Through these input and output activities, participants firmly understand the meaning / influence of cultural difference and improve intercultural communication skills and knowledge.

It was so impressive that all participants helped each other during group work and presentation. Although the time allocation was shortage for the last topic of the session because of the active talks and discussions throughout the course on July 23rd, we believe those talks and discussions must help the participants to understand the lectures and contents they learnt.

We hope all participants enjoyed the class and will soon see the better results by utilizing the learned knowledge in their workplace. And the questionnaire results by participants are below. Please utilize the information in this report to help you to understand how this program was conducted and how useful and effective it is to enhance mutual understanding between Thai and Japanese. We will hold this program on September 4th, 2018. We are looking forward to seeing you in a class.

Next schedule of Intercultural Communication Program

Q. Why did you participate in this program? (Excerption)

• I wanted to know about Japanese business culture and manner/ to understand Japanese people more.
• I wanted to know about Japanese tradition. Also, the difference between Thai and Japanese in many aspects such as working style, the way of thinking and their behavior.
• I think this class is very useful for people who have to meet and communicate with Japanese customers.
• I have received a promotional E-Mail from my boss + I just started working in Japanese company.
• I wanted to adjust myself to Japanese culture and understand them more.

Q. What did you get out of this program? (Excerption)

• I learnt that Japanese paid attention to small things/issues that Thais may look over.
• A Japanese organizational culture and how to adjust myself to get along with them.
• Exchange Name card / How to make an introduction / Bow & Greetings.
• I can apply this knowledge to many situations with boss, colleagues and customers.
• Work with Japanese people with understanding. I will share this knowledge with my colleagues.
• Be able to use what I have learnt today to adjust myself and improve my work performance.
• Understand the behavior of Japanese and be able to explain them to other people.
• Understand Japanese culture to work.

Q.Please share with us any comments about this program. (Excerption)

• The instructor’s teaching style was very enjoyable and what I learnt is useful in the real working situation.
• I have learned interesting things from this course. The instructor explained the content very clearly, so it was easy to understand it.
• I feel good with this program. The instructor is experienced and friendly.

Skills required to succeed in a global business environment

We, Cicom Brains, defines the following three skills as the mandatory abilities for a successful global business personnel.

• ・Communication Skills
• ・Expertise
• ・Cultural Adaptability

And we say cultural adaptability is most crucial to communicate and build a good relationship with boss / colleagues or clients from foreign countries.

If you work in Japanese organization or work with Japanese, you must encounter the difficult situations. One of the reasons is why you have to work with people with different national culture and values. Cultural values have been unconsciously programmed and learned since birth and the behavior you see is only the tip of the iceberg. Understanding this simple fact and learning “Hofstede’s 6-D model” will help you to improve cultural awareness and minimize misunderstandings and stresses caused by cultural gaps. You will then be able to much better perform in an international workplace.

• Open Course Schedule