In a world that is becoming increasingly smaller due to globalization, understanding the individuality of cultures around the globe is a substantial skill to conduct business profitably. At the same time, appreciating different traits of business cultures is an equally essential skill to achieve penetration of new markets and perform profitable operations.
Japan is the richest economy in Asia, and one of the most prominent economies around the globe. Japanese economy exposes high industrial development mainly due to its agriculture industry, which accounts for 2% of Japans’ Gross National Product (GNP), but also other industries like manufacturing, construction, distribution, real estate, services, and communications. The prosperousness of the Japanese economy is based mostly in exports. Goods like cars, electronic devices and computers are mainly exported to the United States but also to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and Singapore. In addition to exports, Japan imports raw materials, mostly oil, foodstuffs, and wood, mainly from the USA, China, Indonesia, South Korea, and Australia.
Today, Japan is the major Asian competitor of the Western firms. Due to its trade associations with the US and Europe, it has adopted Western business models, yet the base of the Japanese business etiquette is profound cultural values.
Western firms that aspire to do business in Japan should greatly value the traditional elements of Japanese business etiquette as tradition drives profoundly the Japanese culture in all its expressions. The challenge for Western firms is the fact that business etiquette and good manners in Japan are completely different than in Western societies, and also strictly approved and adhered to by Japanese businessmen. Doing business in a country with unique culture and tradition requires fine knowledge of Japanese negotiating techniques and patience to anticipate Japanese behavior in order to avoid possible cultural indiscretion.
Here are the seven deadly sins a Western businessman can do when doing business in Japan:
1. Japanese people never shake hands. Instead, they bow and the kind of bowing is associated with the social status and the age of the person that bows compared to the opposite. Moreover, they do not exchange business cards before the bow. So, when entering a Japanese meeting, be ready to bow after having removed your shoes as soon as you enter the meeting room.
2. After bowing, you should address your Japanese partners using the Japanese honorific “san”, in order to show respect. Then, introduce yourself by mentioning your full name, first name and the company you represent and exchange business cards. When given a business card, never write on it or put them in you pocket. Such actions would be regarded as disrespect. The proper thing to do is to examine the card and make a copy of it.
3. When you proceed in the meeting table do not just sit anywhere. The seating arrangement in a Japanese meeting is arranged according to the status and age of the participants, so wait to be directed appropriately.
4. During the meeting, do not talk loud, smile, or laugh using gestures. Japanese people do not like this light American comfort. Instead, they are extremely formal.
5. Do not expect direct negative responses to your questions. Japanese are so traditionally polite that they believe is rude to speak honestly. Japanese philosophy promotes harmony and teaches to avoid hurting other people’s feelings. So, Japanese people avoid direct statements and they rarely give a “no” answer considering they would cause offense and distress.
6. Expect plenty of questions repeatedly as Japanese are extremely detailed-oriented. It is essential to have the proper answers to all these questions, so be ready to provide as much information as possible, in writing; otherwise you will be ignored or disapproved.
7. Dress professionally avoiding the casual American-style attire. Japanese hate that.
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About the Author:
Christina Pomoni has acquired her MBA Finance from the American College of Greece. Her advanced familiarity with financial statement analysis, capital budgeting and market research has been acquired through her professional career at high-esteemed organizations. Besides, having lived at Chicago, IL, Boca Raton, FL and Paris, France has helped her, not only to be a successful professional, but mostly to see life under a more creative and innovative perspective.
Since 2005, Christina provides high quality writing services to Helium.com where she is also appointed as a Channel Steward of Economic Values (http://www.helium.com/users/edit_show/279681). Besides, she contributes her knowledge and expertise to several websites and research companies. Her areas of specialization are Business, Finance & Investment, Society, Politics & Culture. She also has a very good knowledge of Entertainment, Health & Fitness and Computers & Technology.
Christina recently launched her own writing company (http://analysiswriting.com).
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