Ron Stravlo, Human Resources Director for TDK Ferrites Corp. of Shawnee, and Matt Albright, Communication Coordinator, spoke to Gordon Cooper Technology Center Business Education Technologies students in the school's John C. Bruton Seminar Center. There are business opportunities overseas, but flexibility and a sensitivity to varying international cultures are important for success. International companies seek people who are highly skilled in multiple areas because there is often not as much support at foreign plants. Workers must be more self-sufficient and able to handle a variety of assignments, Stravlo said.
Cultural sensitivity is also important for international business to be successful.
Stravlo spoke to students about the cultural contrasts reflected in the workplace in Japan and the United States. TDK is an international business that is based in Japan, but has units and branches worldwide, including the Shawnee plant. In Japan, it is rare for an employee to seek a new job with a competing company. The Japanese place great value on loyalty to an employer and seniority is closely tied to promotions. Career paths are mapped out in a clear progression and time schedule.