Although the world is still devided into different countries and regions it grows together steadily. Companies buy the components and ingredients for their products from suppliers in many different countries to get best quality at lowest costs and sell their products and services to costumers all over the world.
Because of this globalization it gets more and more important to learn and to know the special rules, rituals, and the way of thinking in a differtent culture, if a company wants to do business there. The old saying "When in Rome do as the Romans do" is still valid. The differences exist between all coutries and cultures not only between Europe and Asia. The knowledge about the differences can and will build the first step to a successful relationship.
This paper deals with the Japanese etiquette and ethics in business. What should a foreigner think about when doing business with Japanese business partners? Chapter 1 is about the structure and the peculiarities of Japanese companies. Afterwards general aspects to be taken into consideration are described. The chapters 4 and 5 deal with rules for doing business with the Japanese and with two important rituals in Japanese business culture. The last chapter provides guidelines for successful meetings and negotiations.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Japanese Company
- General Aspects to be Taken into Consideration
- Hierarchy, Status, and Respect
- Communication Style and Conversation
- Rules for Doing Business in Japan
- Maintaining Surface Harmony
- Concern with Face
- Business Dress
- Forms of Address
- Wining, Dining, and Entertaining
- Important Rituals
- Exchange of the Business Card
- Gift-Giving and Receiving
- Meetings and Negotiations
- Language of Business
- Making the Initial Contact
- Punctuality
- Getting Acquainted Before Talking Business
- Making a Presentation
- Determining One's Bargaining Range
- Concession and Decision-Making Behaviour
- The Role of the Contract
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide insights into the Japanese business culture, particularly focusing on etiquette and ethics relevant for foreigners conducting business with Japanese partners. It explores the unique characteristics of Japanese companies, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting their values and practices.
- The importance of company culture and its impact on business relationships
- Hierarchy, status, and respect in Japanese business interactions
- Cultural nuances in communication, particularly the emphasis on indirect language and harmony
- Key rituals and customs in Japanese business, such as business card exchange and gift-giving
- Strategies for successful meetings and negotiations with Japanese counterparts
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the context of globalization and its impact on international business, highlighting the need for cultural awareness. It then focuses on the structure and peculiarities of Japanese companies, emphasizing the strong identification of employees with their employers and the value placed on maintaining harmony.
The second chapter delves into general aspects to be considered when doing business with the Japanese. It examines the importance of hierarchy, status, and respect, particularly in relation to age and gender. It also discusses the nuances of Japanese communication style and conversation, emphasizing the importance of indirect language and avoiding direct confrontation.
The third chapter outlines specific rules for doing business in Japan, covering topics such as maintaining surface harmony, concern with face, appropriate business dress, forms of address, and the etiquette surrounding wining, dining, and entertaining. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to cultural norms and demonstrating respect.
The fourth chapter explores two important rituals in Japanese business culture: the exchange of business cards and gift-giving and receiving. It highlights the significance of these customs and provides practical guidelines for navigating them effectively.
The fifth chapter focuses on meetings and negotiations with Japanese partners. It examines the language of business, the importance of making initial contact, punctuality, getting acquainted before talking business, and making presentations. It also delves into determining one's bargaining range, concession and decision-making behaviour, and the role of the contract in Japanese business transactions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores key concepts related to Japanese business culture, including company culture, hierarchy, status, respect, communication style, indirect language, harmony, rituals, customs, business card exchange, gift-giving, meetings, negotiations, and cultural awareness.
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- Oliver Fendel (Autor:in), 2002, Doing Business with the Japanese!, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/10402
