Corresponding with cultural expectations: Analysis of American, German and Japanese application forms

Sylvia Waechter

Corresponding with cultural expectations: Analysis of American, German and Japanese application forms

Vol.2,No.1(2009)

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All cultures are based on shared values, and many of them are universal. However, each culture emphasizes these values differently. Usually a certain set of values is prevalent, as well as a range of acceptable and non-acceptable verbal and non-verbal behavior. In addition, culture provides a lens through which the world is seen (Moosmüller 1997). This does not mean that people have no choice in their behavior or expressions, or that cultural frames are static. Rather, cultural frames are decided upon by the members of a culture, mostly through their cultural or collective memory (Assmann 1992). These frames constitute the link between one member of a certain culture and all its members. There can be overlapping aspects with other cultures, but a predominant communicative style exists within each culture. The existence of such difference can be demonstrated by comparing application forms and underlying cultural concepts in the U.S., Germany, and Japan. The analysis will be based on studies about main values and prevalent behavioral patterns as reﬂ ected in their respective communicative styles.

Keywords:
communicative style; context; German culture; Japanese culture; application form; job search process; CV; covering letter

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