Full Answer Section

Symbiotic Values:

• Nissan Way’s Customer Focus and Jeitinho’s Relationship Building: The “Nissan Way” emphasizes customer focus, which aligns well with jeitinho’s emphasis on building strong relationships. Brazilian employees can leverage jeitinho’s knack for understanding customer needs and preferences to tailor the Kicks to the Latin American market. This cultural fusion could lead to a product that resonates well with local buyers.

Potential for Dissonance:

• Nissan Way’s Continuous Improvement and Jeitinho’s “Gambiarra” (Improvisation): The “Nissan Way” values continuous improvement through standardized processes. However, jeitinho often involves “gambiarra,” or creative improvisation, which can sometimes bypass established procedures. This clash could lead to quality control issues or deviations from Nissan’s global standards.

Nissan’s Challenge:

Nissan’s challenge lies in navigating this cultural tightrope. They need to leverage the strengths of jeitinho, such as relationship building and adaptability, while ensuring adherence to the core principles of the “Nissan Way” for quality and efficiency. Here are some strategies they can employ:

• Cultural Sensitivity Training: Training Brazilian employees on the “Nissan Way” should be sensitive to cultural differences.
• Empowerment with Clear Guidelines: Employees can be empowered to find creative solutions within the framework of established procedures.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open communication about challenges and concerns can help bridge cultural gaps.

By creating a work environment that respects both cultures, Nissan can foster a successful operation in Brazil, where the Kicks can truly embody the spirit of global innovation with a touch of Brazilian ingenuity.