Global Stumble discusses the cultural differences Nomura encountered when acquiring Lehman Brothers. There were differences in decision making speed, treatment of women, and dress codes between the Japanese and American cultures. Nomura initially took an ethnocentric approach but is moving toward a geocentric attitude by promoting diversity and transferring executives overseas. Cultural research showed Japan values group success over individuals and careful decision making, while the US prioritizes speed and individual contributions. Nomura can address differences through diversity training, celebrating cultures, and seeking minority leaders.

1. Global Stumble
By Group 6
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2. - Monica Rizky Alman P.
- Maria Ulfa
- Akbar Maulana
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3. Case Problems
- In late 2008, Lehman sought chapter 11 bankcruptcy protection
- Nomura bought expand its business
- Culture and business differences between a major stumbling block
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4. Q.1 What obvious cultural differences between
Nomura and Lehman do you see in this situation?
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5. - work environtment culturals
- tension over executive comensation
- how quickly desicion were made
- treatment of women in the workplace
- the process for getting approval on deals was slower and more difficult
than before
- men and women were separated during training
- strict dress code especially for women
- previously, clients were catagorized according to the fells paid 5

6. Q.2 What global attitude do you think characterizes Nomura? Be
specific in your description. Do you see any evidence of that
charging?
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7. - Initially, Nomura adopted the Ethnocentric Attitude. they believed their
own people are the best choice to run foreign operations and that the
best choice to run foreign operations and that the practice of the Tokyo
HQ should be adopted at their overseas offices
- Progressively moving towards a Geocentric Attitude. Nomura started
promoting a mixture of nationalities from Europe and Asia to their high-
ranking positions. also, transferred 2 of their Japanese heads of divisions
to London and New York.
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8. Q.3 Do some cultural research on Japan and the United States.
Compare those cultural characteristics.
What simmilarities and differences exist?
How might these cultural differences be affecting the situationat
Nomura?
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9. Speed vs Consistency
[United State]
Generally American companies are quick in
decision making. superiors give some great
leeway to subordinates so that they can
decide and make decisions quickly.
[Japan]
For Japanese companies desicion making is
done in stages. these stage are backed by
plenty of meetings and documentation.
there is a
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Roles & Responsbility
[United State]
The U.S. Comopany’s are very individualized.
individual contribution is very important as linked
to comapny goals
[Japan]
Requires individual input towards the whole group
but recognize that the whole group must succeed
otherwise the individual’s contribution has no
meaning.

10. Risk Taker vs.Risk Aversecultures
[United States]
If American are challenges to achieve a certain
goal, they’ll say “We Can Do It!” even when they
themselves believe that there is only a 50-70%
chance of succeeding. after they have accepted
the challenge, they will do what it takes to achieve
as close to 100% success.
[Japan]
If The Japanese feel that it’s possible to achieve
most likely 100%. they don’t say “Yes”. they are
careful when making an agreement as they want to
be accurate. they make sure it is exactly 100%.
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Heterogenoeous vs. Homogeneous
cultures
[United States]
Since U.S. is multicultural, the organizations ussualy
consist of multinationalities, which means there are
many different ways of thinking.
[Japan]
A Japanese organization is usually managed by only
Japanese. Almost everyone has the same
background so most of the time there is no need for
spoken words in manu situations. everyone knows
what is expected of them. this is one of the
improtant communication skills in Japan.

11. 11
Personal Life vs. Profesional Life
[United States]
Family and personal time is the priority in the US. Work-Life Balance is a must. There is
come socializing outside of work but not as a group.
[Japan]
In Japan, priority is on the work life. There are many traditions that reinforce this. A
newcomer to the company, will organize a Hanami to enjoy the cherry blossom in Spring
by drinking co-workers. Also a common after-work event is Nomikai (drinking party)
Ideas

12. 12
What They can learn from each other?
American from Japanese :
- respect for others
- never wear shoes into a home
- clean up after themselves
- recycling and caring about the environment
- punctuality
Japanese from Americans :
- Ambulance
- School tuition

13. Q.4 What Could Nomura managers do
to support, promote, and encourage
cultural awareness among employees?
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14. Education : building cultural knoeldege and its benefits
Celebrate diversity : holidays policies, hosting a staff dinner with the
theme of cultural awareness.
Company Leadership : seek out miniority employees for leadership
positions.
Diversity Training : can help employees to recognize prejudieces and
cultural assumptions.
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15. Q.5 What do you think the statement, “When
your business is global, management needs
to the global
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16. 16
- It is need to move towards a geocentric attitude that
requires eliminaitng and developing an understandiong of
cross cultural difences
- Nomura is trying to apply this attitude and is in the
progress of moving towards being Geocentric for a better
working environment for its staff and for tthe business.