The Japanese have been giants of the business world. They have been ruling markets of technology, automobiles, and the latest gadgets for years. And we all want to be part of their business extravaganza. However, having your Japan connections could be much easier when you have the representatives working for you. Because there are many cultural and business ethics that most Westerners may be familiar with.
It is important to note that Japanese traditions have been shaped by many cultural, religious, and traditional aspects, and in order to learn them, you need to delve into the traditional business ethics of the business giants.
Here are some of the aspects that you need to learn about Japanese, whether you are dealing with Japanese account managers or the manufacturers of the automobile that you are interested in working with.
1. Being introduced to the third party:
Among many other details that you might want to pay attention to regarding your Japanese connections, one among them is to make sure that walking up straight to your business counterpart and introducing yourself is not acceptable for Japanese.
They like to build business relationships over the years, and they are considered to be very formal and traditional when it comes to business ethics. Therefore, you need to have a formal third-party introduction placed before you can start talking to them about business.
This could seem to be a redundant activity for the businessman in the West, but this is how things work in the Japanese culture. And while you are looking to make things work in your favor, make sure to introduce yourself over drinks and food in a casual meeting with friends or at other gatherings. And when you get the chance, get yourself introduced by a third party.
2. Greetings and titles:
There are different aspects of every business culture. But when you are working with the Japanese, one of the most important details that you need to pay attention to are the titles and greetings to the business officials.
When you meet the business officials, you expect them to greet you with a bow. If you are at senior level, then the bow will be extended a bit longer. If you are on the same rank as theirs, you will simply be offered a bow.
There are certain alterations when they expect to work with the people in the West, as you may expect them to make handshakes. But this is only restricted to certain social settings, and the bow is what is most practiced in wider circles.
The Japanese are very particular about their traditions and greetings. Snd they like to build long-term relationships with their business partners. However, if you have plans to work with them on a long-term basis, it is emphasized that you pay attention to their minor details. To enjoy that bond with your Japanese counterparts.
3. The dress code:
Formal suiting and formal settings are considered to be the primary cause of concern when there is an amalgamation of the two cultures. Expect the Japanese to be very rigid in their dressing sense. The dark-colored suits and light-colored shirts are essential parts of their business meetings. On the other hand, if you have female counterparts working for you in the business settings. Then even expect them to dress modestly without showing off their skin.
This is part of their working culture, and if you are coming from the West, where you dress casually to most of the business meetings. Then there should be reforms made when you choose to work with the Japanese.
4. The importance of teamwork:
While there are many tangible and intangible factors that count into the details of working. With the Japanese, there is a lot of emphasis played on teamwork. When their success is achieved, the whole team is applauded. On the other hand, when there is a loophole in the performance of the team, expect the Japanese to blame the whole team.
Even in circumstances where there are highly competitive jobs like sales teams. The contribution of success and loss are equally divided in the team. Unlike in Western culture, where you expect to get applause for individual performance and blamed for individual loss.
5. Business manners:
For Japanese, business manners are of prime importance. And you get to treat each individual according to their seniority and working position. It is also important to exchange business cards when you meet your Japanese counterparts. And receive them as well to show signs of respect for their working position. Moreover, it is important to note that arriving five minutes before time to show respect to the working mates is important. To conclude, when you are working with Japanese counterparts it is essential to pay attention. To all those business ethics that they follow religiously.