Cultural Clash in Work Ethics and Communication Style: A Case Study in Japanese Based Manufacturing Company in Indonesia

Cultural differences in values, norms, and language represent a significant challenge for Indonesian employees working in multinational companies. These disparities often give rise to misunderstandings and tensions between local staff and foreign expatriates. This paper seeks to explore the cultural friction specifically between Japanese and Indonesian work cultures, aiming to help organizations cultivate a more inclusive environment and minimize the risk of future conflicts. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with both Indonesian employees and Japanese expatriates at a Japanese based manufacturing company in Indonesia. The major findings are the differences in work ethics between Indonesian workers and Japanese expatriates lie in their perceptions of the importance of work, appreciation of time, and future orientation. In term of communication there are different style of communication between Indonesian employees, who are typically place strong emphasis on interpersonal relationships, while Japanese Expatriates focused on work-related-communication. Another prominent distinction lies in communication structure: Japanese expatriates prefer two-way, structured, and consensus-oriented communication, while Indonesian employees typically engage in casual and flexible communication styles.