The Global EdgeAces Manufacturing

January 7, 2011Japan

Japan: A land rich in culture

• Japan

– Diverse population, with vast differences from our own

• How are women viewed?

• Assertive behavior

• Teamwork or individuals?

• Communication styles

• Nonverbal communication

• Preferred ways of communication

The role of women

• Women highly educated

– Still responsible for home, children

• Women seen as capable

– Have additional responsibilities

• Show respect for these busy females as they

navigate home and children with work

Assertive behavior

• Relationships in Japan take patience

• Above all, respect is valued and encouraged

• Many people (if not most) treat everyone with

extreme respect

– They do not insist on outcomes

– They do not expect cooperation

• With time and respect, groups may work together

Teamwork or individuals?

• Respect is valued, and individualism is not

– Japanese taught to work as teams early

– Do not seek to stand out from the crowd

• These ideals may frustrate Americans

• We can work together

– Japanese may facilitate teams

– Value group work

Communication styles

• Japanese do not believe in small talk

• Comfortable with silence

– May use silence to unnerve Americans

– Do not feel it necessary to fill up empty spaces with chatter

• We are uncomfortable with dead space in conversations

• Keep words to a minimum

Nonverbal communication

• Japanese more comfortable with non spoken

communication

• Americans need to be careful with

mannerisms

• Maximize quiet and respectful styles

• Do not fill talks with useless words

Preferred

ways

of communication

• Do not look Japanese in the eye; it is considered rude

• Avoid complex grammar

• Check for understanding frequently

• Do not use slang!

• Written communication preferred

• Respect is always critical

References

• Bryce, T. (2006) Individualism vs. teamwork. http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/irm-blog/individualism-vs-teamwork-9841. Last accessed January 7, 2011.

• Lacy, N. (2004) Doing business in Japan. http://www.rikkinyman.com/training/japanese_culture/communication.htm. Last accessed January 7, 2011.

• Niikura, R. (1999) The psychological process underlying Japanese assertive behavior: comparison of Japanese with Americans, Malaysians and Filipinos. International Journal of Intercultural Relations. Volume 23, Issue 1, 1 February 1999, Pages 47-76