Intercultural communication final paper

 Intercultural communication final paper 

by William Ludwigs

(The Culture Factor Group, 2026)

Introduction

During this class we have discussed different cultural topics. The core of the topics for conversation comes from the social psychologist Geert Hofstede. Hofstede studied how different cultures measure different aspects of life and gave each nation a score from 1-100. For this paper I will be comparing Japan to my home nation, Sweden. 

Power distance

When it comes to power distance, the graph show that Japan scores 54, whilst Sweden scores a lower 31 points. Power distance is measured in how concious the society is of hierarchical positioning. Evidence of this can be seen in how employees for example communicates with their boss. Whilst I dont have work experience in Japan, the power distance can also be noticed in school between students and teachers. The way you adress your teachers and older students is of big importance. When it comes to the power distance in Swedish culture its more relaxed. In Sweden equality between bosses and emplyees is valued highly. Its totally normal in Sweden to adress your boss by their first name for example. Bosses who also abuse their position of power doesnt last long in a company.

Individualism

Moving on the the measurement on individualism we can see in the graph that Japan scores 62 whilst Sweden scores 87. The score on individualism is measured by a nations view on interdependence between the nations inhabitants. Its core is how individuals either prioritize themselves or the group. Japan scores 62 in this measurement. I would have guessed they would score lower and therefore be a more collectivistic society. I guess since im coming from a even more individualistic society, its hard to measure anything less individualistic as not being totally collectivistic. However Hofstede claims that traits in the Japanese society is correlating with the blueprint of a individualistic society. Some of the examples is for example loyalty to your company which you chose yourself. Also Japanese people tend to look after themselves and their direct family and not extended family as shown in other more collectivistic asian cultures. 

Sweden is even more individualistic in the measurement. With a score of 87 its a very individualistic society. In Sweden you as the individual is expected to take care of yourself. Indipendency is big part of the Swedish culture.

Motivation towards achievement and success

In Japan the motivation towards achievement and success is very high. I think this is extremely obvious in the work culture. People see their company as almost their family. Working long hours is the norm. Ive heard in Japan, people in the same company relate more to eachother even while they work completely different roles then people in the same line of work but for different companies relate to eachother. 

In Sweden the motivation towards achievements and success is way lover. This can be seen with the low score of 5. In Sweden, the work.life balance is off upmost importance and something we all think about. In Sweden we have the word "lagom" which means not to much or not to little. Its meant as the perfect amount. In Sweden we can use this word for work culture. You are supposed to work not to much and not to little.

Uncertainty avoidance

When it comes to uncertainty avoidence Japan ranks very high with a score of 92. Japan has a long history rich with culture. Therefore their way of doing things have been molded for a very long time. I feel people in Japan do things because they work. If its not broken dont fix it. Furthermore I feel Japanese people follow very strich schedules especially when it comes to work and school. There should be no margin for uncertainty or error. 

In Sweden its way more relaced. Some uncertainty is common. For example its very flexible in work culture that you can eat lunch whenever you want. Also and i dont know if its the same for other cultures but in Sweden its okey to leave work early, however you would need to stay longer another day. If you know that you need to visit the doctor or something you can the week before work longer to build up your bank and then leave work the certain day way earlier. 

Long term orientation

Japan score a massive 100 points in this measurement. This can be explain in the way the companies does their business. The companies in Japan doesnt really care about quick results and instead prioritize the survival for many generations to come. 

Sweden scores 52 in this measurement so its very neutral. In Sweden people thing about the future and future rewards. However we also value the present and traditions. I think the younger generations in Sweden becomes more long term oriented. Especially people my age where alot of people care about their careers.

Indulgance

When it comes to indulgance, both countries score a mediocre score with Sweden being a bit more indulgent. However I feel the way people indulge differs a lot between the nations. What ive noticed in Japan is that a lot of people buy unecessary stuff. examples for this could maybe be the small toys they but on their bags and stuff. For example labubus. In Sweden the indulgance is more in leisure. Ive personally noticed people buying trips without have the money for it. However they make it work in the end but its a good example of how people indulge in their impulses.

Conclusion

In conclusion there are a lot of differences in the cultures between Japan and Sweden. However I do feel like the two cultures could work good together as the differences are not as big as Japan would maybe be with the USA for example. What would be interesting to see in the future is how the cultural measurements differs between the younger and older generation. With the younger generation having more access to the internet they get to learn more about different cultures and of course its natural that they take some of that knowledge and start using it in their life. 

Source

The Culture Factor Group. (2026). Country comparison tool. https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-tool