Seven Castles

Japanese Business Culture

                                      

April 15, 2008

 

Japan has continued to evolve into a positively brilliant unification of modernization and tradition. With its colorful history and elaborate culture, this country had become an ideal model of honor, hierarchy and etiquette that is till date reflected in many of the business practices.

 

Yet, to many foreigners, especially those in the West, Japanese culture remains a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

 

The Japanese business culture is very different when compared to most of the other countries. For instance, from the very moment that you arrive at the airport, you will notice the row of well-behaved baggage carriers diligently lining up your baggage on the conveyor belt, the well-mannered and polite customs inspectors, the cleaners making sure the place is clean, the young girl standing on the platform politely bowing to you whilst you board your train, the ticket inspector standing in the front politely removing his hat and bowing to everyone.

 

You will get the same reception when you arrive at a hotel – the bell-boy will bow and then open the door for you, the porter will show you what buttons to press beside your bed – all of this because you are the customer, you are the king.

 

Likewise, when you enter a Japanese bar or a store, you will probably be greeted by cries of "welcome" and on leaving you will hear shouts of "thank you".

 

The noticeable difference is that the people here are all extremely service-oriented and you probably know by now that service is the backbone of the Japanese business culture. In other countries, service is something that people are required to pay for. But, in Japan, service is just a part of the whole business - there is no need for tipping.

 

The Japanese are known to be polite but in all instances mentioned above, the people were just doing their jobs – and the biggest part of their job is to keep you happy, which is equivalent to good customer service.

 

Punctuality is essential in Japan; lateness is as sign of disrespect. Due to the strong contemporary business competition in the world, the old concept of the "unhurried" Japanese negotiation process is no longer applicable. Decisions are made swiftly and efficiently.

 

The strong hierarchical structure in Japanese business is reflected in the negotiation process. They begin at the executive level and continue at the middle level. However, decisions will often be made within the group.

 

Due to the influence of Confucianism, it is important to show greater respect to the eldest members in Japanese business culture. Age and rank are strongly connected, however a change in today's business climate means that educational background and ability are often considered over age. It is important to bear in mind that in contemporary Japan, even a low ranking individual can become a manager if his or her performance is good.

 

A significant part of former Japanese business protocol was gift giving. In contemporary Japanese business culture, although not expected, the gesture is still practiced and will be accepted with gratitude. However, be careful not to take too big a gift as it may be regarded as a bribe.

 

In Japan, there is a high expectation of a certain standard of business etiquette and failure to achieve this standard could doom any hopes of doing business in that country. Because the Japanese are loyal to those they trust and respect, foreigners will gain respect and facilitate success by knowing and adhering to the minutiae of Japanese social etiquette and business protocols.

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2008年04月15日 星期二 05:38】【注册】【打印】