Free Japanese Groups And Organizations Essay Sample

(Institutional Affiliations)

Group life in Japan

Group life in Japan is very different from that in the United States of America in many aspects. The general understanding on this issue is that whereas Americans are obsessed with personal/individual rights, their Japanese counterparts embrace the sense of solidarity and group identity. To some extent, this has something to do with historical affiliations. Historically, the Japanese were known to be communists, while the Americans were capitalists. The communism approach put more emphasis on group-work or collective ownership of property and the means of production, thereby strengthening the unity of the people. Americans, on the other hand, embraced capitalism which promoted individual brilliance at the expense of groups. To date, this has an effect on the bearing that the two groups developed. Important to note is the fact that although communism and capitalism have since been done away with, there are traces of such practices in the communities, hence shaping the mentality and perception people develop to these issues.
The Japanese tend to work towards achieving security and life satisfaction through the affiliations they have towards these groups. America is a society which is individually oriented, suiting people who have ability, competitive spirit and motivational drive. This is very different from the practice in Japan. The Japanese are more group-oriented, which is not completely satisfying for persons who boast of exceptional talents. The collective approach implies that people must put their efforts together in any task, creating little or no room for people who want to develop their reputation. This makes it a safe place for people who consider themselves ‘average’. Such differences are socially construed through exposure to cross-cultural environment.

Group loyalty

Japanese children are taught about group loyalty in a number of ways. The major one, however, is through the concept of amae. This concept dictates the individual behaviors and beliefs and their relationship with the social structure. In a nutshell, the amae concept means looking for affection from others. This creates a society that has a deep social interdependence. In practice, the Japanese children are instructed to be loyal to each other. The Japanese culture promotes dependency and responsiveness among the children, even during their early ages. Dependency and responsiveness to the groups that these children belong to plays a significant role in shaping their later life and how they are likely to behave.
In Japan, Individualism is highly discouraged, even from the early stage of personal development. Although talent plays a significant role and is encouraged, children are advised to channel such talents to the groups they belong to ensure such groups are successful. The Japanese term for individualism, for instance, has negative connotations referring to selfishness as opposed to self-reliance. The relationship that exists between a parent and a baby is the best example of amae. Children are taught and trained to have spontaneous feelings to those around them. Groups in Japan are essential for gratification and approval. In practice, those who go against this practice are always looked down upon, forcing them to change their approach.

America and individualism

Unlike the Japanese, American children are taught on the importance of individuality where personal talent and spirit plays a major role in shaping an individual’s status in the society. In America, individuality is highly valued. Citizens tend to identify themselves as being separate before any affiliation to families, groups or the nation. From their early years, the American children are introduced to the education system that encourages them to rely on themselves. To them, depending on oneself is the best way through which one can succeed in their later lives. Although the do form strong familial and social bonds, the importance attached to them are limited, as opposed to the individual aspect. In whatever involvement the children are in, special attention is given o how they can benefit, rather than approaching the national approach. In one way or the other, the education system is also better suited to promote individuality. Although much reference is given to America’s traditional capitalism approach, failure to appreciate socialism and its effects in the society has duly promoted individualism. Nevertheless, this is a way of life to them.

How individualism shapes formal organizations in America differently from Japan

In practice, the idea of individualism has shaped formal organizations in America in a different way compared to Japan. Forma organizations in America tend to employ an individualistic approach, despite the fact that group loyalty would suffice. In America today, formal organizations tend to put much emphasis in individual talent and productivity before recruiting and hiring. This is more based on the fact that by employing this approach, individual productivity will play a major role to promote the operations of the organization. As much as group approach is embraced to some extent, duties and role in these organizations are delegated to individuals. This approach is better suited when the management wants to assess individual contribution to the organizations and to determine whether it is necessary to retain the services of these individuals. Although the collective approach may be appealing, it fails to give such individual evaluation, hence a challenge to organizations to implement.