Compare and Contrast Leadership From Cultural Context Between Australia and Japan.

Leadership a Country Comparison
Written Analysis
Submitted by: Minakshi
Student ID: 1821373
Word Count: 1609

Introduction
Leadership can be defined as the capability of group of people or of individual to
motivate, to influence and to provide guidance to others towards those goals which are common
and shared or vision. Leadership in a cross-cultural context involves the capability of group of
people or individual to effectively lead and manage people from diverse cultural backgrounds
towards a common goal or vision. It mainly requires the understanding along with appreciation
regarding the differences stated inside different cultures and the capability of adopting different
styles of leadership and communication strategies to accommodate these differences. Cross-
cultural leaders need to be able to build trust, foster open communication, and navigate complex
cultural dynamics to create inclusive and collaborative work environments. They must also be
able to leverage the strengths and perspectives of individuals from different cultures to drive
innovation and achieve results (Winston, B.E. and Patterson, K., 2006). In this assessment we
will compare and contrast leadership from cultural context between Australia and Japan.
Importance of global and cross-cultural leadership in the current

environment
Global and cross-cultural leadership skills are particularly important in industries that
operate in multiple countries and regions. In such industries, leaders must be capable of
understanding cultural differences and respect and also communicating them in an effective
way , and navigate complex global business environments (Adler, N. 2016). This includes
understanding and adapting to different business practices, social customs, and communication
styles.
Those leaders who are acquiring the necessary cross-cultural and global leadership skills
can be able to build strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, create
inclusive and supportive work environments, and drive innovation though diverse perspectives.
These skills are also important for managing remote teams and collaborating with individuals
who are geographically dispersed (Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. 2017).
In addition, as business become more global, leaders must be able to operate within a
variety of legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as understand different political and
economic environments.
Overall, the importance of global and cross-cultural leadership and skills in the current
environment cannot be overstated. Leaders who possess these skills are better equipped to
succeed in today’s global business environment, build successful international partnership, and
drive innovation through diverse perspectives.
One example of the importance of cross-cultural leadership can be seen in the

international expansion of McDonald's. The fast-food chain has over 38,000 restaurants in more
than 100 countries around the world. To succeed in such a diverse array of markets, McDonald's
adaption towards its menu along with business practices for accommodating customer and local
tastes. For example, In India, most of the people do not prefer to eat the beef so, for them
McDonald's has introduced number of option in vegetables, which includes the burger McAloo
Tikki made from potatoes and peas (Kumar, S. 2014).
Another example can be found in the fashion industry, where brands like Gucci and
Chanel have worked to build relationships with customers in China, a key growth market for
luxury goods. To succeed in China, these brands have had to adapt their marketing strategies and
product offerings for appealing to the Chinese customers, who are having different prefrences
along with the tastes while comparing with the Western consumers. For example, Gucci has
collaborated with popular Chinese artists and launched special collections featuring traditional
Chinese motifs (Husic-Mehmedovic, M., Hrustic, A., & Tricic, E. 2017).
In both of these examples, leaders who were able to successfully navigate cross-cultural
differences were able to create value for their companies and build strong relationships with
customers in diverse markets. By understanding and respecting different cultures, these leaders
were able to create products and experiences that resonated with customers around the world.
Leadership from a cultural context in Australia
Leadership in Australia is influenced by the country's unique cultural context. Australia is
a diverse and multicultural country with a rich Indigenous heritage, and leadership styles and
expectations can vary greatly depending on the cultural background of the individuals involved.
One important cultural factor to consider in Australian leadership is the concept of

egalitarianism. Australians tend to value the idea of equality, and this can impact leadership
styles. In this leaders are supposed to be accessible with the approach with a major focus upon
teamwork along with collaboration. This means that leaders who are too authoritative or
hierarchical may not be well-received in Australian culture.
Another important cultural factor is the influence of Indigenous cultures. Many

Indigenous communities in Australia have their own traditional forms of leadership, which may
involve different values and practices than those found in mainstream Australian society. It is
important for leaders to be aware of and respectful of these differences, and to work
collaboratively with Indigenous communities to promote mutual understanding and respect.
Multiculturalism is another important factor in Australian leadership. With a diverse

population that includes people from many different cultural backgrounds, leaders must be able
to understand and navigate cultural differences in order to build strong relationships and
effectively communicate with their teams. This may involve adapting leadership styles to suit the
needs and expectations of different cultural groups.
Overall, effective leadership in Australia requires an understanding of the country's

unique cultural context, including the values of egalitarianism, respect for Indigenous cultures,
and the influence of multiculturalism. Leaders who are able to navigate these factors and build
strong relationships with their teams are more likely to be successful in their roles (Jogulu, U.D.,
2010).
Leadership from a cultural context in japan

Leadership in Japan is deeply influenced by the country's unique cultural context. Japan
has a long history and rich cultural heritage, and this has shaped the way that leadership is
understood and practiced in Japanese society.
One key cultural factor that influences leadership in Japan is the concept of "wa", or
harmony. Japanese culture places a major focus upon neglecting/avoiding the conflict and
maintain social harmony, and leaders are expected to interact with their teams. Japanese leaders
are often seen as facilitators who work to maintain harmony within the group, rather than as
authoritarian figures who dictate what should be done.
Another important cultural factor is the value placed on group cohesion and loyalty.
Japanese society places a high value on group identity and belonging, and leaders are expected to
foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among their team members. This may involve
spending time building personal relationships and showing appreciation for individual
contributions.
Respect for hierarchy is also an important cultural factor in Japanese leadership. Japanese
society places a high value on social order and respect for authority, and this is reflected in the
way that leaders are expected to interact with their subordinates, while also taking responsibility
for the well-being of those below them in the hierarchy.
Finally, the concept of "nemawashi" is an important aspect in Japan. Nemawashi is a kind

of process which focuses upon building consensus and gaining support from key stakeholders
before making a decision. This can be time-consuming, but it is seen as an important way to
maintain harmony and avoid conflict within the group.
In summary, effective leadership in Japan requires an understanding of the cultural values of

harmony, group cohesion and loyalty, respect for hierarchy, and nemawashi. Leaders who are
able to navigate these cultural factors and build strong relationships with their teams are more
likely to be successful in their roles (Kimura, T. and Nishikawa, M., 2018).
Compare and Contrast between Australia and Japan

Australia and Japan are two very different countries with distinct cultural norms and
values, which can impact leadership styles and approaches. In this comparison, we will look at
some of the key differences in leadership between Australia and Japan from a cultural context
(Sugimoto, Y. 2019).
Communication Style: In Australia, communication is often informal and direct, with a
focus on clarity and brevity. Leaders are expected to communicate openly and transparently with
their team, and to encourage feedback and collaboration. In contrast, in Japan, communication
tends to be more formal and indirect, with a focus on maintaining social harmony and avoiding
conflict. Leaders are expected to use more nuanced and indirect language to convey their
message, and to prioritize the feelings of their team over individual goals.
Decision-making: In Australia, decision-making is often decentralized, with a focus on

individual initiative and empowerment. Leaders encourage team members to take ownership of
their work and make decisions independently. In contrast, in Japan, decision-making tends to be
more centralized, with a focus on consensus and group decision-making. Leaders seek input
from all members of the team before making a decision, and strive to maintain harmony and
balance within the group.
Work-Life Balance: In Australia, work-life balance is highly valued, and leaders are
expected to support their team members in achieving a healthy balance between work and
personal life. In contrast, in Japan, there is often a strong culture of overwork, with long hours
and a focus on dedication to the company. Leaders are expected to set an example of hard work
and dedication, and to prioritize the success of the company over personal interests.
Hierarchy: In Australia, there is a relatively flat organizational structure, focusing upon

the equality along with meritocracy. Leaders are supposed to be accessible by using approach,
and also to work collaboratively with their team members. In contrast, in Japan, they majorly
emphasis upon the honoring authorities and on hierarchy. Leaders are supposed to lead by
example and demonstrating a deep understanding of their position in the organizational hierarchy
(Duncan, W. J., & Tseng, K. H. 2016).
Conclusion
In summary, the leadership styles and approaches in Australia and Japan are influenced
by their respective cultural values and norms. While Australian leaders tend to prioritize direct
communication, decentralized decision-making, work-life balance, and equality, Japanese
leaders prioritize indirect communication, centralized decision-making, dedication to the
company, and respect for hierarchy. Both styles have strengths and weaknesses, and effective
leadership requires an understanding and appreciation of the cultural context in which one is
operating.
References
Winston, B.E. and Patterson, K., 2006. An integrative definition of leadership. International
journal of leadership studies, 1(2), pp.6-66.
Adler, N. (2016). Global leadership: Women leaders in emerging markets. Journal of

International Business Studies, 47(6), 653-663.
Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Communicating with strangers: An approach to

intercultural communication (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
Kumar, S. (2014). McDonald's in India: Reaching Out Customers with Mc Aloo Tikki.
International Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(1), 1-10. Retrieved from
https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijrhss/v4-i1/1.pdf
Husic-Mehmedovic, M., Hrustic, A., & Tricic, E. (2017). The Role of Culture in Luxury
Marketing: The Case of Gucci in China. Economic Review: Journal of Economics and Business,
15(1), 27-39. doi:10.1515/erjeb-2017-0003
Jogulu, U.D., 2010. Culturally‐linked leadership styles. Leadership & Organization

Development Journal, 31(8), pp.705-719.
Kimura, T. and Nishikawa, M., 2018. Ethical leadership and its cultural and institutional context:
An empirical study in Japan. Journal of Business Ethics, 151(3), pp.707-724.
Sugimoto, Y. (2019). The Rise of Asia and the Transformation of the Global Order: Japan's
Perspective. Springer.
Duncan, W. J., & Tseng, K. H. (2016). Servant leadership theory: Development and validation of
a culturally-relevant construct in Japan. Journal of Business Research, 69(8), 2861-2869.

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Leadership a Country Comparison

Submitted by: Minakshi

Student ID: 1821373

Word Count: 1609

Importance of global and cross-cultural leadership in the current

One example of the importance of cross-cultural leadership can be seen in the

One important cultural factor to consider in Australian leadership is the concept of

Another important cultural factor is the influence of Indigenous cultures. Many

Multiculturalism is another important factor in Australian leadership. With a diverse

Overall, effective leadership in Australia requires an understanding of the country's

Leadership from a cultural context in japan

Finally, the concept of "nemawashi" is an important aspect in Japan. Nemawashi is a kind

In summary, effective leadership in Japan requires an understanding of the cultural values of

Compare and Contrast between Australia and Japan

Decision-making: In Australia, decision-making is often decentralized, with a focus on

Hierarchy: In Australia, there is a relatively flat organizational structure, focusing upon

Adler, N. (2016). Global leadership: Women leaders in emerging markets. Journal of

Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Communicating with strangers: An approach to

Jogulu, U.D., 2010. Culturally‐linked leadership styles. Leadership & Organization

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