Page 40 - Harnessing the Strengths

Culture Clashes ■ 23

of a good leader is: a man, a senior, and an alumnus of the
University of Tokyo!

Challenges

The diversity in points of view poses a challenge for corpo-
rate life, especially because modern man is very demand-
ing. For example, we want an extremely fast computer that
is also user-friendly; we want to be protected from terror-
ism without this protection’s invading our privacy; and we
want a fast car that is also safe. We want it all. This is true
whether we are talking about products and services or pro-
cesses. Even different departments in the same company,
such as research and development, marketing, and after-
sales, have their own, often confl icting, interests. Conven-
tional wisdom says that, in this case, we must choose. But
is that really necessary?

Systematic Analysis

Over the years, the authors of this book have looked at
the intercultural world behind the scenes in hundreds of
companies and have judged the effectiveness of the most
widespread leadership styles. Interviews with various busi-
ness leaders have been systematically analyzed and run
through the scientifi c gauntlet. This has resulted in impor-
tant insights about the best ways to deal with cultural dif-
ferences. In this process it is imperative to realize that one
standpoint is not better than another; both extremes have
advantages and disadvantages, and both are disastrous
when taken too far.
One thing is very clear: the success of various compa-
nies is more and more dependent on their ability to bridge