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Comparing and Contrasting the Cultures of Sweden and Japan: A GLOBE Analysis
Sean Dandridge
University of Maryland Global Campus
HRMN 367
Dr. Rogelio Burboa
June 10, 2025
, 2
Comparing and Contrasting the Cultures of Sweden and Japan: A GLOBE Analysis
Understanding cultural differences is critical for effective global human resource
management and organizational behavior. The GLOBE study provides a comprehensive
framework to analyze and compare cultures through specific dimensions, offering insights into
how societies shape human thinking and actions. This paper compares and contrasts Sweden and
Japan using the GLOBE cultural dimensions and additional scholarly sources, highlighting key
similarities and differences that inform workplace behavior and social interactions in each
country.
Performance Orientation and Future Orientation
Both Sweden and Japan score relatively high on performance orientation, indicating a
strong cultural emphasis on excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Sweden’s
score (5.8) reflects its societal focus on innovation and efficiency, often linked to its welfare
model and sustainable business practices (Welzel, 2013). Japan’s score (5.17) similarly
highlights a dedication to precision and mastery, particularly in technology and manufacturing
sectors (Hofstede et al., 2010). However, Japan’s future orientation (5.25) is notably higher than
Sweden’s moderate score (4.89), reflecting a stronger cultural propensity to plan strategically for
the long term (House et al., 2004). This is evident in Japan’s keiretsu business networks and
lifelong employment practices, which foster stability and long-range thinking (Meyer & Peng,
2016). Sweden’s balance between present needs and future planning emphasizes pragmatic
sustainability and social welfare rather than rigid long-term corporate planning.
Assertiveness and Humane Orientation
Assertiveness scores reveal a distinct contrast: Japan’s relatively high score (5.56)
contrasts with Sweden’s lower score (3.61), suggesting differing communication styles. Japanese
Comparing and Contrasting the Cultures of Sweden and Japan: A GLOBE Analysis
Sean Dandridge
University of Maryland Global Campus
HRMN 367
Dr. Rogelio Burboa
June 10, 2025
, 2
Comparing and Contrasting the Cultures of Sweden and Japan: A GLOBE Analysis
Understanding cultural differences is critical for effective global human resource
management and organizational behavior. The GLOBE study provides a comprehensive
framework to analyze and compare cultures through specific dimensions, offering insights into
how societies shape human thinking and actions. This paper compares and contrasts Sweden and
Japan using the GLOBE cultural dimensions and additional scholarly sources, highlighting key
similarities and differences that inform workplace behavior and social interactions in each
country.
Performance Orientation and Future Orientation
Both Sweden and Japan score relatively high on performance orientation, indicating a
strong cultural emphasis on excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Sweden’s
score (5.8) reflects its societal focus on innovation and efficiency, often linked to its welfare
model and sustainable business practices (Welzel, 2013). Japan’s score (5.17) similarly
highlights a dedication to precision and mastery, particularly in technology and manufacturing
sectors (Hofstede et al., 2010). However, Japan’s future orientation (5.25) is notably higher than
Sweden’s moderate score (4.89), reflecting a stronger cultural propensity to plan strategically for
the long term (House et al., 2004). This is evident in Japan’s keiretsu business networks and
lifelong employment practices, which foster stability and long-range thinking (Meyer & Peng,
2016). Sweden’s balance between present needs and future planning emphasizes pragmatic
sustainability and social welfare rather than rigid long-term corporate planning.
Assertiveness and Humane Orientation
Assertiveness scores reveal a distinct contrast: Japan’s relatively high score (5.56)
contrasts with Sweden’s lower score (3.61), suggesting differing communication styles. Japanese
