Scribd
Upload
77 views4 pages

Cultural Evaluation Paper Joseph Mclain Xbcom/275 June 22, 2014 Lisa Newman

The document discusses cultural differences that are important to consider when conducting business with Japanese partners. It notes that Japanese culture highly values honor and "saving face." The word "yes" may be used to politely turn down a request rather than agree. Presentations to Japanese business partners should follow formal protocols like wearing suits and using personal greetings. Questions may go unanswered as Japanese people reflect carefully on concepts, and the number four should be avoided if possible. Adhering to these cultural norms can lead to long-term, fruitful business relationships with Japan.

Uploaded by

Aung Htun Linn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
77 views4 pages

Cultural Evaluation Paper Joseph Mclain Xbcom/275 June 22, 2014 Lisa Newman

The document discusses cultural differences that are important to consider when conducting business with Japanese partners. It notes that Japanese culture highly values honor and "saving face." The word "yes" may be used to politely turn down a request rather than agree. Presentations to Japanese business partners should follow formal protocols like wearing suits and using personal greetings. Questions may go unanswered as Japanese people reflect carefully on concepts, and the number four should be avoided if possible. Adhering to these cultural norms can lead to long-term, fruitful business relationships with Japan.

Uploaded by

Aung Htun Linn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

1

Cultural Evaluation Paper

Joseph McLain

XBCOM/275

June 22, 2014

Lisa Newman
2

Cultural Evaluation Paper

In many ways, Japans business environment differs from that of the U.S. (LeBaron, 2003,

Culture). Its culturally accepted modes of communications and the expectations reflect the

values of its society (LeBaron, 2003, Cross-Cultural). Therefore, certain guidelines should be

followed with any presentation with Japanese persons conducted in the U.S. or Japan, including

business conversations. According to (LeBaron, 2003, Culture) business relationships can end

with confrontations, so they should be avoided at all costs. They can even deter partnerships with

other American companies.

Japanese culture is highly based on honor. This is something that American consultants and

executives should understand. Saving facie is the most critical aspect (LeBaron, 2003,

Culture). Concepts from a Japanese perspective, with interactions and meanings of some

words, are not conveyed the same. Simply meaning that the person has heard or understood your

request is an example of what the word yes conveys. In our culture it means that he/she has

agreed to what the terms was. In fact, the word yes might be a polite way of turning down a

request. To do so blatantly would cause embarrassment to the other person and/or loss of face

(LeBaron, 2003). According to LeBaron (2003) Since face signifies personal dignity and marks

higher status all interactions should respect and promote these culturally moderated concepts.

Moreover, observing these protocols also proves ones honor and valuation of both the Japanese

individuals and Japanese society.

Formal attire should be worn when you are presenting information or meeting with Japanese

executives. Men should wear dark business suits and women should wear business suits with

skirts or dresses. Japanese consider business women wearing slacks disrespectful (LeBaron,
3

2003, Culture). To introduce the presentation you should use a personal greeting. You might

start the meeting with an informal, Hello. How are you? Today we will discuss.

Japanese people like to reflect on concepts in their own minds, so it is not uncommon for some

questions to go unanswered. Since face is so important, words are carefully selected. These

responses may not be spontaneous. If at all possible, the number four or spatial representations of

four should be avoided. In Japanese, the number four signifies death. Failure to observe your

presentation from your Japanese business partners perspective beforehand could mean death

to your business relationship or lesser likelihood of partnership.

Based upon these cultural differences, Hofstede (2012) would insist that Americans doing

business with Japan should remember that most persons in Japan live highly ritualized lives. By

Asian standards, Hofstede (2012) also states Japanese are much more reserved. Therefore,

adhering to the protocols previously detailed honoring the differences and respecting the

Japanese can also lead to a fruitful long-term relationship. Because Japanese are much more

long-term oriented than Americans, this could mean significant rewards for your business.
4

References

Hofstede, G. (2012). Japan. Cultural Dimensions. Retrieved from

http://geert-hofstede.com/japan.html

LeBaron, M. (2003). Culture based negotiation styles. The Beyond Intractability Project.

Retrieved from http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/culture_negotiation/

LeBaron, M. (2003). Cross-Cultural Communication. Retrieved from

http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/cross-cultural_communication/

You might also like