1.

INTRODUCTION

Scott was 26 years old come from the United State to Japan. He has been living in
Japan for 18 mouths. He joined in JET (the Japan Exchange and Teaching) program to
become teacher. This program was established to support Japanese English
teachers and develop. The first school that he taught is Naka high school. After
moving to Nishi High school, he was required correct a manuscript of a text called
500 English sentences by Mr. Honda- the head of English at Nishi High School. In
Scott opinion, This manuscript is not perfect because Mr. Honda use idea of John- a
22 years old Canadian who had just graduated with a degree in chemistry. However,
due to Scott seniority, English degree, and good association with Nishi High, Scott is
still asked to sign in incorrect manuscript of 500 English sentences. Scott does not
want to sign in because he looks forward to his future with change to get better
training of karate as well as beautiful life in Japan

2.)

BACKGROUND OF THE CASE

Japanese culture is known for its highly collectivistic nature. They always visualize
themselves as part of a group and interactions are supposed to be group vs. group
and never individual vs. individual. They are perceptive of their position in the
society in relation to acting differently or independently. One of their greatest fears
is being detested by the society. In this particular instance, it is Mr. Honda losing
face not only with the education board but also with the Nishi High school staff. As a
consequence, Mr. Honda has had to pressurize Scott to endorsing the revised
version of the book 500 English Sentences.
Scott comes from an individualist culture. He has made commendable efforts in
adjusting himself to the Japanese culture and way of life. In addition, he also has to
weigh his own values and beliefs while contemplating such a compromise on his
integrity. He has already Reasons for the conflict (Non)Conformance Japanese
adhere to strict conformance in all their actions. More specifically in this instance, it
was conformance to Mr. Hondas approach to teaching. Scott was definitely a nonconformer to this. Consequently, Mr. Hondas position with the education board and
Nishi High did make him insecure. Maybe, the case could have been different if
Scott was more sensitive towards the Japanese culture of Mr. Honda was more open
to new ideas and approaches.
Mr. Honda was polite in his communication and would present vague reasons to
justify his arguments expecting to be asked for clarifications. It was difficult for Scott
to understand this as he was used to he direct and precise way of communication.
Consensus vs. Hierarchical. It is a case highlighting the time and concerns related

with the Japanese decision making process. We have the consensus based approach
vs. the hierarchical

6.)

BEST ALTERNATIVE

Scott should refuse to endorse because the old textbook had been taught for about
10 years so what would happen if the new manuscript going to repeat again. This
harms not only students but also Nishi High Scholl education. The other reason is to
agree with the endorsement means he goes against with his first purpose of putting
his English degree to good use. He should protect what he thinks it is right. Since,
this situation is estimated quite sensitive in Japanese culture, so Scott should take
suitable ways to deal with this problem. With his decision, he can face with difficult
situation of losing sympathy of co-worker, Mr Honda and the board of education. But
he has BATNAs including seniority, English degree and good association that allow
his to have good new career in Japan or long-term life work if return to his
hometown US. Personally, Mr Hondas decision that put pressure on Scott to
endorse is not originated from his irresponsibility but unchangeable situations. It is
essential to explain and analysis with Mr Honda as well as the board education
about importance of situation.