The impact of national culture on communication management: Japanese contractors in Singapore construction industry

Effective communication is an important consideration for Japanese contractors for their business operations and development in international construction projects. This research examines the management styles and communication weaknesses relating to national cultural differences of managers working for Japanese contractors in Singapore. Questionnaire surveys, case studies and validation interviews were conducted to assess these issues. The empirical results reveal the influences of national culture on intercultural communication concerning managers working for Japanese contractors in Singapore. It also advances Hofstede’s conceptual findings to communication, with the practical implication of an improved knowledge domain on how differences along the six national cultural dimensions influence the perceptions of communication between two different nationalities. This study recommends an adaptive approach that aims to enhance effective communication for managers working for Japanese contractors in Singapore. Finally, this study provides useful lessons on managing effective communication for managers working for Japanese contractors in international construction projects.