In global business, we are seeing more and more mergers and acquisitions. When these types of business decisions are taken, it’s crucial to remember that this fusion is not simply about integration, but also often includes the blending of cultures, mindsets and philosophies that must be able to disrupt old business assumptions.
Dimension Data (a 40-year-old African-born brand) rebranded as NTT DATA (a 140-year-old Japanese powerhouse) is a case in point. It represents the blending of two profound philosophies: the African concept of Ubuntu and the Japanese business mindset. Both philosophies, though rooted in distinct cultures, share commonalities that can redefine business practices, especially in the technology and IT services sectors.
Ubuntu Meets the Japanese Mindset of Harmony, Respect, and Trust
Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term meaning ‘humanity’, is often translated as “I am because we are”, or “humanity towards others”. It’s a philosophy from South Africa that emphasises community, shared connections, and mutual caring for all. Ubuntu articulates a sense of togetherness and a belief in a universal bond that connects all humanity. In the business environment, Ubuntu proposes collaboration, inclusion, and equity as fundamental principles. This helps transform human relationships within the organisation and between the organisation and the communities it operates in.
The Japanese mindset is underpinned by principles that prioritise harmony (wa), respect (keigo), purity (seijitsu), and tranquillity (seijaku). These principles guide interpersonal relationships and business dealings, promoting a culture of respect, collective responsibility, and a commitment to societal well-being. In the business arena, this means a focus on quality management, customer centricity, continuous improvement, and often lifelong relationships between companies and their employees. It’s a business culture that seeks mutual trust, winning hearts as well as minds.
Finding Common Ground: Collective Success and Harmony
At the heart of both Ubuntu and the Japanese mindset is the belief in the importance of the collective over the individual. This shared value creates a ripe business environment where teamwork, respect, and mutual support are primed for growth. It’s here where a corporate culture that values collaboration, community involvement, and shared success can flourish. Finding synergy between the two philosophies is particularly revolutionary in the tech world, where rapid innovation and aggressive competition often overshadow collaborative and inclusive business practices.
Some areas in business where the fusion of philosophies really comes to the fore include:
Decision-Making
With a Japanese mindset, decisions are made through a process called ‘Ringi’, which solicits broad consensus among stakeholders before moving forward. Similarly, the Ubuntu approach to business encourages inclusive decision-making, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. Together, a more democratic and inclusive decision-making process is supported, enhancing employee satisfaction and stakeholder engagement.
Employee Well-being and Development
The Japanese concept of ‘kaizen’, or continuous improvement, is not just about improving business processes but also about personal and professional growth. Similarly, Ubuntu’s focus on mutual care and support naturally extends to the workplace, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent and supporting employee development. When merged, these philosophies create a culture that values and invests in employee growth, leading to higher levels of innovation and productivity.
Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility
Both philosophies stress the importance of contributing to the welfare of the community and society at large. This shared value can translate into robust corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives aimed at addressing social, economic, and environmental issues. By integrating Ubuntu’s focus on community well-being with the Japanese emphasis on harmony with society, a new path in sustainable business practices and social responsibility can be chartered collectively.
Customer-Centric Services
At the core of both Ubuntu and the Japanese business mindset is a deep respect for others, which naturally extends to customer service. This common ground can redefine how the merged entity approaches customer engagement, emphasising personalised services, respect for customer needs, and a commitment to delivering value far beyond transactions. By prioritising meaningful connections and mutual respect in customer interactions, new levels of customer loyalty and trust can be achieved.
Staying true to inherent communal principles sets a new precedent for how businesses can operate in the global marketplace and highlights the importance of cultural diversity and integration in crafting a more humane and effective business paradigm. The future demands new behaviours, not just new technologies. We have the blueprints for these behaviours; let’s leverage them to build new and better.
Now that the rebrand of Dimension Data to NTT DATA is complete, we are intent on integrating the best of both worlds into our operations to provide a differentiated experience for our diverse spectrum of clients.
