1. Cross-cultural analysis of Gung Ho and Winnie the Pooh Cross-cultural Management Silje-Mari Geithus 612727 Luchia Courtney Mckenzie 610656 Federica Raimondi 667129 Kinue Maria Tsubata Maestre 666638 Xiaofan Wu 664398

2. Introduction to the video ●We have created a combination video with three examples ●The first two clips come from the movie “GUNG HO” (1986); ○ a film about an American auto plant being acquired by a Japanese company, the auto worker character Hunt Stevenson faces the tricky challenge of assimilating two clashing corporate cultures. ○ Japanese management demands more regimentation and output than the workers are used to and focuses main of QC and productivity. Which comes to a shock to the American workforce.

3. Introduction to the video ●Clip description: ○ The first clip shows the American employee at a meeting with the Japanese managers at the beginning of the film - misunderstanding of the phrase “Is a Frog's Ass Watertight?” ○ The second clip is centred around a dinner held at the American employee’s home - where his comments on Japanese management almost get home fired. ●The last clip is a clip from the Disney childhood classic “Winnie the Pooh.” being compared to President Xi Jinping; Regardless of the cuteness of the characters, the “Winnie the Pooh” franchise has been completely banned in China due to a comparison made on social media between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the main bear “Pooh” being seen as offensive.

5. Discussion

6. Japan vs US : Gung Ho Individualism (US): ●Single person representing the company ●Decision taken at an individual level - direct and straightforward approach ●Personal success Collectivism (Japan): ●Group meetings ●Decisions taken after a team discussion - common view importance ●Group success

7. Japan vs US : Gung Ho Long-term (Japan): ●Focus on maintaining the network ●Good relationship with a partner based on loyalty and sustainability ●All members of a company, included managers, share the same direction for the company Short-term (US): ●Expecting quick results and benefits ●Loyalty depend on the needs of business - Relationship with a partner

8. Winnie the Pooh Cute or Offensive? Winnie the Pooh is banned completely in China including a new movie In contrast, the US citizens always make fun of the presidents of US Source:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/china-bans-winnie-the- pooh-film-to-stop-comparisons-to-president-xi

9. Winnie the Pooh The reasons behind: ●The significant differences in Power Distance (Hofstede) ●The Unique History: Wars and relatively weak position compared to western countries in modern history → relatively defensive and sensitive in politics and western jokes ●Interpretation: Always respect the hierarchy in China! → Hint: same level talk Source: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/

10. Conclusions & Suggestions -Gung Ho -More research - both companies need to prepare better -Recognising and understanding the differences - adapt. -Making compromises -Communicate expectations and make compromises for long-term/short-term. -Train the US-team to understand the collectivist Japanese culture and the Japanese team to understand the individualism of the US. Money VS loyalty. -Formality VS informality. -Winnie the Pooh -Making fun of an authoritarian figure is seen as ‘losing face’ in China (damaging reputation), while in the west it makes the authoritarian figure more likable. -Political risk is higher in China than in the US - being careful is necessary.

11. References Browaeys, M-J. and Price, R. (2011). Dimensions of culture in Business. In: Understanding Cross-Cultural Management, 2nd ed. Harlow; New York: Pearson Education, pp. 23-42. Hofstede Insights, (2019). Compare countries. [online] Available at: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/ [Accessed 7 Mar. 2019]. Gung Ho. (1986). [film] Directed by R. Howard. United States: Paramount Pictures Records. IMDb. (2019). Gung Ho (1986) - IMDb. [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091159/plotsummary [Accessed 13 Mar. 2019]. China bans Winnie the Pooh film after comparisons to President Xi. (2018) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/china-bans-winnie-the-pooh-film-to-stop- comparisons-to-president-xihttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/china-bans-winnie-the-pooh-film-to-stop- comparisons-to-president-xi [Accessed 7 Mar. 2019] Video of President Xi and Obama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd470nntVrU.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd470nntVrU Video of Winnie and Tiger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbKxfdn3GWE