Gung Ho free essay sample

This paper will examine the film Gung Ho through a cultural eye. We will try to show how Michael Keaton’s character Hunt, fails to understand Japanese culture. At the same the goal will be to show the variation in the behavior displayed compared to how it should have taken place. It is clear from the onset of the movie that Hunt has not been schooled in Japanese business etiquette and culture. From the time he arrives in Japan, he disrupts a management disciplinary session in which certain management personnel are being tested to see if they should move up in the rank, or continue to go through boot camp. Hunt shows no endearing qualities of respect or honor. In the first meeting with Assan Motors, he fails to establish a hierarchy with the Japanese, as is important in most dealings. He decides to prop himself in any available seat. It is important for people to sit in order of rank. We will write a custom essay sample on Gung Ho or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In his presentation, he talks about himself. The Japanese like to view themselves as part of a company. When he decided to discuss himself, it shows that he is somewhat egotistical and selfish. After the meeting concludes, he is given business cards. Instead of taking them with both hands, he gingerly accepts them with one hand. It is important to accept business cards with both hands. He should have viewed the cards with attention and detail. By failing to view the business cards individually with careful examination, he made himself look bad. Also it is important to make sure that the business cards are kept in a crisp clean manner. He also failed to present his own business card to them. When a business card is handed to the Japanese, it must be handed with two hands, with the Japanese side propped up. There were also other instances where Hunt failed to follow proper protocol. During the meeting he decides to pat one of the guys on the shoulder. The Japanese don’t like to be touched, and this totally goes against that. He asks the men whether they have any questions about the company he works for, but no one speaks up. This is a common practice, where no one wants to embarrass themselves, so no one speaks. Also there is a common practice of silence in Japanese culture. Whenever he is dealing with Assan Motors management, he uses a lot of colloquial phrases. It is best to keep it straightforward when dealing with the Japanese. When using uncommon phrases, it can cause confusion. Hunt has a hard time coming to grips with the Japanese workplace environment. He tells the management that this is the United States and things are done differently here. The superiors at Assan Motors tell him that American workers are lazy, they come 5 minutes late and leave 2 minutes early. There seems to be no dedication to the job and to the company. Hunt and other workers seem to take a carefree attitude. On one instance a worker says not every car is perfect. On the other hand, an Assan Motors manager says that every car in Japan is free of defects. Throughout the film Hunt fails to deal with the Japanese in the proper accord. In one instance, he is invited to a dinner, but he decides to bring his woman. It is usually seen that you come alone; however he lucked out by other women being present as well. At the conclusion of dinner all the women walk away so that the men can talk business. In that instance, his woman decides to stay, while he is dealt the news that he’s being fired for poor performance. The problem here is that he should have led his woman along with the rest of the women, so that they could have a proper conversation. When business takes place, it is usually done in private. Finally, Hunt fails to follow the arrangements of a deal that he struck with his boss. He vows that his men will build 15,000 cars in a month; however he alters the terms of the agreement by telling his men they will get a bonus even if they come close. When the Japanese make a deal with you, they want to make sure that it is fulfilled. He is able to work with his men after all, and build 14,994 cars. Even though they are short 6 cars, Hunt is congratulated for completing the order, because the CEO at Assan Motors knows they will fix the remaining cars and deliver. What we have learned is that it is important to learn about the Japanese culture and business etiquette before doing dealings with the Japanese. It is important to engage in proper behavior, thus showing respect. It would also be a good idea that the right representative is chosen to engage in business dealings with the Japanese so they get a good impression of the people they are working with. In all, Michael Keaton’s character Hunt, failed to do his due diligence before taking part in business. At the end of the film though he showed his true character, for which he was rewarded.