Cultural Differences in Idealized Impression Management : A Comparison of Employment Interview Manuals from Japan, Germany and the USA

The purpose of this study was to find cultural differences in IM between Japan, Germany and America in the field of employment interviews by using interview manuals as a data source. Fifty-five interview manuals were used in a content analysis study. In addition, a survey of 53 Japanese interviewers currently working in Tokyo was conducted and the results compared with the idealized notions and advice expressed in the Japanese manuals. Two major findings of this study were a high degree of formality and ritualization and a variety of changes in Japanese society. Results might be valuable for applicants and also for human resource personnel to more fairly and accurately evaluate applicants. The findings could also be useful in numerous settings outside of selection interviews and, therefore, contribute to the body of knowledge in other disciplines, for example, the field of intercultural communication