Hunt Stevenson must act as a mediator between American workers and Japanese managers at an auto plant in Pennsylvania that was purchased by a Japanese company. The document discusses some key cultural differences between American and Japanese culture like individualism versus group orientation, direct versus indirect communication, and differing views on concepts like shame and honor. It provides examples from the movie Gung Ho that illustrate clashes between the two cultures at the newly acquired plant.

1. Gung Ho
Presentation By:

2. A Japanese car company,
Assan Motos, buys a plant
located in the small town of
Hadleyville, Pennsylvania.
Hunt Stevenson (Michael
Keaton) must act as a mediator
to control the cultural clash
between American workers and
Japanese managers.
Synopsis

3. Shame and Honor
Bushido – “Way of the Warrior”
It is a code of conduct that many samurai
follow.
One must show a great deal of loyalty,
humility, courage and respect.
In the 11th century, if Bushido was not
demonstrated by a Japanese samurai,
the result was harakiri.
Harakiri – death by cutting one’s own
stomach. This was considered an
honorable death.

4. Shame and Honor
American Culture – We deal with guilt, not shame.
We care more about our individual freedoms instead of
our society as a whole.
Japanese Culture – Once shame is placed on a family,
It cannot be removed until society says otherwise.
What others believe is much more important in the Japanese
culture. They must save face if shamed.

5. 47 Ronin
Example of Shame

6. Ribbons of Shame
In this scene, Oishi is in
the management training
class.
He has shamed his company
and his family. He is required
to wear Ribbons of shame.
These ribbons represent how
much shame he has brought
upon himself and his loved ones.
The Japanese symbols placed
on these ribbons detail their
mistakes and what they’re being
shamed for.

7. Gung Ho
Ribbons of Shame

8. In America, we value individualism and
respectfully, Japan respects the group.
There’s a term that the Japanese use that
is translated through their culture called
amae.
It’s a dynamic concept that is shown early
on in their lives and are later translated
into workplaces
(i.e. the company depends on me, I
depend on the company. Inderdepence
which is the complete opposite of
individualism (pg. 176)
Cultural Values
甘え
Amae

9. America
We want to feel special:
On various occasions, the men feel like even
If they come close to their goal they should
have a reward.
The workers want their bosses to understand
them when they need to leave work early
because of a child’s event or if they are sick.
(oral surgery scene with child)
(Bike building scene)
They want them to be more empathetic.
Cultural Values

10. In this next clip, Mr. Stevenson makes a deal with Kaz that guarantees
that his men will make just as many cars as the Japanese can.
When Hunt goes back and tells the men what he has purposed the men
to do, they are so enthused by beating the “Japanese” that they
disregard the amount of cars they must make in order to beat the
Japanese. Until a man in the crowd says, well what if we don’t get that
much?

12. Low Context Vs. High Context Culture
Low Context –
High Context -

13. The norm for Japanese women is to excuse themselves when
men have “business” to discuss.The non verbals that the
Japanese exhibit to the American women and how the American
women doesn’t get the hint! There’s a line where she says, “I’m
not bothering anyone right?” “See, it’s okay!”
Japanese Cultural Norm: “Women”

14. Haptic Communication
Japanese culture : Don’t like to touch
other than family and friends -
Personal displays of affection are
frowned upon
American Culture : Americans give
high fives and pats on back and hand
shakes - People kiss and touch in
public
Haptic Communication –
Communication through sense of
touch.

15. Proxemics Communication
Japanese culture : Only close with friends
and family - Not accepting to outsiders.
American Culture : Close to family and
friends. Accepting to outsiders. Americans
need space.
Proxemics – The physical
distance people put between
themselves and others.

16. Chronemics Communication
Japanese culture : Always
punctual and correct - being
early is on time.
American culture : Being 5
minutes late is acceptable -
Time is flexible.
Chronmeics – The use and value of time in communication.

17. Objectics Communication
Japan : take shoes off due to respect -
handle objects with care
American: Only take shoes off to relax or feel
comfortable - Use objects to get stuff done
Example in movie when they roll out the red
carpet from airplane and they all take shoes
off

18. Oculesics Communication
Japan: people tend to look
down - won’t make eye
contact
American: Eye contact is
important - Always looking
around and acknowledging
others

19. ParaLanguage Communication
Japan: Monotone when giving speeches - Take orders without
questioning
American: Loud and energetic when speaking - Talk back and ask
questions

20. Kinesics Communication
Japan: when meeting someone you bow- Facial expressions are the
same
American: Shake hands - Facial expressions are important to smile.