Overseas Study Mission

Borton's Development Framework

Description

I was part of the Overseas Study Mission (OSM) organised by my University to Japan from 17th January 2016 to 23rd January 2016. The OSM focuses on Japan's economic direction. The focus was on two types of companies, traditional Japanese conglomerates and promising startups. At the end of the OSM, we had to prepare a presentation where we had to present our findings. Me and another group mate were in charge of the Internal Management portion of our group presentation.

The Analysis

Through this OSM, I visited various large conglomerates such as Panasonic and various start ups. Being able to interview Japanese from various companies was deeply intriguing and insightful. Through such interviews, I had gain various interesting insights of Japan's working culture. For instance, the Japanese are able to motivate themselves to work for the company without the presence of any incentives. Employees had great passion for their job and take pride in what they do. I also learnt how Japan's culture can impact their working culture. In Japan, the collectivists culture is very strong, these meant that the Japanese are more focus on the overall benefit, which is the betterment of the company as a whole as compared to individual benefits. It was a trait that was unique to Japan and not very observable in Western countries or even in Singapore.

Synthesis

The learning points that I had learnt from this OSM was useful for my future activities. For instance, based on my experience, I was able to contribute the chapter "Chapter 5: Japan's Corporate Sector: Perspectives from a University Student" in the publication "50 Years of Singapore-Japan Relations". Also, I was able to use my findings for one of my group project assignment.

Also, using Bandura's social learning theory, I believe that the high level of motivation exhibited by the Japanese is highly commendable. Although being an inherent aspect of Japan's culture, it would be difficult to incorporate it on a large scale, such as a company's culture. However, their spirit can be incorporated towards one's behaviour and attitude when tackling and facing new situations and issues.