December 31, 2012 Globalization, M&A, and global human resource development: 2012 themes
A look back at 2012 in our annual year-end letter from Japan Intercultural Consulting
The theme of the year in 2012 for Japanese companies has been globalization. Japanese firms of all sizes are realizing more than ever that the path to success in the future is to be active and successful on a global scale. Two things that Japanese firms have been doing in order to further globalization are engaging in M&A activities, and increasing their investment in developing their employees’ globally-relevant skills, both in Japan and at overseas locations. Supporting these activities has been one of the major themes of our firm’s work in 2012.
The theme of the year in 2012 for Japanese companies has been globalization. Japanese firms of all sizes are realizing more than ever that the path to success in the future is to be active and successful on a global scale. Two things that Japanese firms have been doing in order to further globalization are engaging in M&A activities, and increasing their investment in developing their employees’ globally-relevant skills, both in Japan and at overseas locations. Supporting these activities has been one of the major themes of our firm’s work in 2012.
M&A
Japanese companies have been very active in making international acquisitions in 2012, and we have been active in working with many of these firms. We are often asked to assist with cross-cultural training for executives and staff at the acquired firm, to help familiarize employees with Japanese corporate culture and address any concerns they may have about working with a Japanese parent company. We have also been doing a lot of work on post-merger integration issues, helping companies to better integrate acquired firms into their overall operations and helping staff at both the acquired company and the parent company to develop the structures and processes needed to work together more smoothly.
Strengthening human resources in Japan
Our Japan Branch continues to be active offering cross-cultural training in Japan, and has a particular strength in conducting sessions in Japanese for Japanese participants. Our team is able to offer in-depth sessions on key cultures that Japanese firms are interacting with closely, including India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America. We are also getting a lot of interest in a session designed by Senior Consultant Tak Kawasaki on HR management of non-Japanese staff, which was highlighted in a special feature in Nikkei Business magazine this year.
Strengthening human resources at overseas locations
Japanese companies are continuing to put non-Japanese employees in more and more key positions, and thus want to ensure that their non-Japanese staff is prepared to take on higher-level posts. This often involves training that is conducted during visits to Japan, and we are highly experienced in delivering such sessions. We are also receiving many requests to provide management and leadership skills training and executive coaching to non-Japanese managers at Japanese firms’ overseas operations. Japanese expatriates are also taking advantage of our offerings in these areas in order to enhance their abilities to manage non-Japanese subordinates and lead overseas operations.
We very much appreciate everyone’s support and enthusiasm for our work during this past year, and look forward to serving you in 2013. Best wishes for a happy holiday season, and prayers for peace on earth.
Japan Intercultural Consulting is an international training and consulting firm focused on Japanese business. We help clients increase profitability and employee engagement through improved communication and working relationships in multicultural environments. By working with us, our clients are better able to achieve their business goals.
