![[Q]](../img/shared/frame-body/icon_question_europe.gif){kind=icon}
![[A]](../img/shared/frame-body/icon_answer_europe.gif){kind=icon}
- Could you tell me about your job?
- I manage the areas of finance, accounting, general affairs, personnel and IT for three automobile-related companies affiliated with Sumitomo Corporation in Slovakia. Summit Motors Slovakia is Ford's official import agent in Slovakia; Summit Motors Bratislava, a subsidiary of Summit Motors Slovakia, is a Ford auto dealer; and Summit Finance Slovakia provides automotive finance services to Ford and Nissan car buyers. The three companies employ a total of 120 full-time workers. Back-office jobs at the three companies are organized in a concentrated manner, keeping me busy in my daily focus on performance management, preparation of statements of accounts, IT system replacements, and hiring qualified employees.
Together with some of my colleagues in front of our building
- Is there anything that has surprised you in working for a Japanese corporation?
- I joined the Sumitomo Corporation Group with the establishment of Summit Motors Slovakia in 2002. Prior to that, I had worked with people from various countries across Europe, Africa, North America, and South America, helping me to become accustomed with people from different cultures.
I think one distinguishing characteristic of the Japanese way of working is the required courtesy and formalities. Many Japanese workers place great emphasis on the order and formalities of an organization, and show great respect to superiors and others in higher positions. This isn't always the case in other countries, where supervisors, through self-discipline, make efforts to earn respect from their subordinates. In addition, when working together, we usually address one another using given names rather than honorific titles, regardless of the junior/senior relationship. Japanese workers, on the other hand, add the honorific title of "san" to the surname of the person they are addressing. This is true even among peers who have become close with one another. I found that to be a little surprising.
Another distinguishing characteristic is Japanese attention to detail. Japanese workers are accurate in detail, calculating and analyzing tasks precisely. Additionally, in conjunction with the parties concerned, plans are made in advance and deadlines are properly set and met. I find this approach very suitable because I prefer doing things according to plan.
Company Christmas party in 2008.
I enjoyed with a costume of Viking (Mr. Sramo is second from right backward)
- How do you spend your free time?
- I have a 22-year-old daughter who currently studies in the United Sates, so now my dog provides me with companionship. Every day, after work, I take the dog for a walk. I have many other interests as well, including books, art, and movies. Do you know ball hockey? It's a sport like ice hockey, only it's played on asphalt. In Slovakia, hockey, in all forms, is very popular.
I have travelled to Indonesia with my family in 2007. In the picture we are crossing equator.
