Cross-Cultural Training: Bridging Japan and Sweden

Abstract: Aim – The aim of the study is to investigate the way trust and relationships can be affected by Cross-Cultural Training, which will ultimately enhance intercultural business performance. Methodology – Qualitative data is gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews which provide deep responses on Cross-Cultural Training among Japanese companies operating in Sweden. Based on secondary data, theoretical discussions are grounded serves as a foundation for the study. Findings – The study resulted in two categories of companies in which one applies Cross-Cultural Training in order to build and maintain trust and relationships when developing intercultural business practices among Japanese companies and Swedish subsidiaries. Whereas the other type of companies have a different type of International Organizational Structure in which Cross-Cultural Training is redundant and relationships and trust are preserved since they do not interact directly with the Japanese- Headquarters or employees. Limitations – The research is solely based on an extensive qualitative study. Thus, a quantitative study should be conducted in order to support these findings to provide more rigidity and reliability. A complementary study from a Japanese perspective would clarify the reasons behind the decisions made in Sweden. Implications – Academicians can extend this study in order to understand the deeper reason on why some companies decide to work with an organisational structure which differs from the traditional working behaviours and dimensions of national culture. Furthermore, the study provides implications for business managers to anticipate different cultures when conducting international business. It furthermore forms a basis for academicians to conduct future research on Cross-Cultural -business and –training. These implications are generalizable across a manifold of industries since the study is based on a multiple case study.