He said “Although they know that we need to have to buy the same part from different suppliers. We should threat all suppliers fairly. Somehow as Japanese we should keep a proper distance as well monitor our Thai subordinates to keep balancing not to close or not too loose relationship. ....”
C. Masculine VS Feminine (Achievement Orientation VS Relationship Orientation)
According to Hofstede’s findings, the biggest gap between Thais and Japanese are Thais being Feminine while Japanese being Masculine. Thais place high value on relationships and believe in “Sanuk” (joyful) helps maintain good relationships [58].
In contrast, Japanese are masculine, valuing hard working, goal achievement, and living to work. Japanese in all interviews confirmed these differences.
Different values on achievement impact ways of solving problems in RM
Both may be aware of this culture but in real business relations, because Japanese have a high commitment to prevent problems to achieve goals on time.
Japanese expatriates point out that different working styles and ways of solving problems are also perceived to be the causes of conflict.
From the Japanese point of view, while working, Thais’ lack of preventive attitude can lead to problems occurring later on.
On the contrary, Thais believe that all problems can be sorted out and that Japanese worry too much.