Differences interculturelles - Japon

Intercultural Differences

Presentation Speech :

JAPAN

Introduction

• With a population of approximately 130 million people, Japan has a very high density of people in relation to its geographical size

• A millennial empire proud of its history and civilization

• The third world economy

• A social organization marked by its secular order

High power distance

OR

Geert Hostede’s dimension

• all individuals in societies are not equal  

• At an intermediate score of 54, Japan is a borderline hierarchical society.

• Japanese are always conscious of their hierarchical position in any social setting and act. However, it is not as hierarchical as most of the other Asian cultures.

• slow decision making process: all the decisions must be confirmed by each hierarchical layer and finally by the top management in Tokyo.

• There is a strong notion in the Japanese education system that everybody is born equal and anyone can get ahead and become anything if he works hard enough.

Collectivism

OR

Geert Hostede’s dimension

• It has to do with whether people´s self-image is defined in terms of “I” or “We”. In Individualist societies people are supposed to look after themselves and their direct family only.

• Japan scores 46 on the Individualism dimension.

• Japanese society shows many of the characteristics of a collectivistic society: such as putting harmony of group above the expression of individual opinions or the strong sense of shame for losing face they have.

•  However, it is not as collectivistic as most of other Asian neighbours. The most popular explanation for this is that Japanese society does not have extended family system which forms a base of more collectivistic societies such as China and Korea. Japan has been a paternalistic society and the family name and asset was inherited from father to the eldest son.

Masculinity

OR

Geert Hostede’s dimension

• A high score indicates that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success 

• At 95, Japan is one of the most Masculine societies in the world.

• However, in combination with their mild collectivism, you do not see assertive and competitive individual behaviors which we often associate with Masculine culture.

• From very young age at kindergartens, children learn to compete on sports day for their groups (traditionally red team against white team).

High uncertainty avoidance

OR

Geert Hostede’s dimension

• At 92 Japan is one of the most uncertainty avoiding countries on earth.

• This is often attributed to the fact that Japan is constantly threatened by natural disasters from earthquakes, tsunamis (this is a Japanese word used internationally), typhoons to volcano eruptions. Under these circumstances Japanese learned to prepare themselves for any uncertain situation.

•  You could say that in Japan anything you do is prescribed for maximum predictability. From cradle to grave, life is highly ritualized and you have a lot of ceremonies.

Long term orientation

OR

Geert Hostede’s dimension

• At 88 Japan scores as one of the most Long Term Orientation oriented societies. Japanese see their life as a very short moment in a long history of mankind.

• Some kind of fatalism is not strange to the Japanese.

• You do your best in your life time and that is all what you can do.  

Restraint

OR

Geert Hostede’s dimension

• Without socialization we do not become “human”. This dimension is defined as the extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses, based on the way they were raised. Relatively weak control is called “Indulgence”  

• Japan, with a low score of 42, is shown to have a culture of Indulgence. Societies with a low score in this dimension have a tendency to cynicism and pessimism.

Geert Hoftede’s dimension for Japan

Etiquette background        

• Japanese society is known for a very proper hierarchical structure, based on rank and seniority

• Thus, etiquette plays a very significant role in each person’s relationship with others

• For example : At a young age they are taught respect for their elders and in particular females defer to males

• A large part of business etiquette is a heavy emphasis on personal relationships.

• Building relationships is a vital part of Japanese business etiquette and social interaction is the foundation of any relationship.

• It is really important to interact with your counterparts outside of the workplace to establish good relationships for future business opportunities

→ The japanese frequently meet at bars, restaurants, karaoke lounges after work to relax and to set good relationships

Japanese Business Etiquette

Japanese Business Etiquette

• Seating positions during a meeting is very important as they are indicators of status.

• Always wait to be seated and never be the first one to sit down

Japanese Business Etiquette

• Exchanging business card is part of the standard protocol in japanese business culture, it is part of a formal introduction. The business cards are to be exchanged at the very beginning of a meeting.

• Always prepare the number of cards you will need to exchange

• Foreigners are expected to have bilingual business cards (English and Japanese) always present the Japanese side up.

• When presenting a japanese bilingual business card, use both hands and bow your head slightly while offering the card. Use the same technique when accepting cards as well.

• NEVER put the card in your pocket and during the meeting, always place the cards in front of you so that they are in order based on the seating positions of everyone at the table

Japanese Business Etiquette

• Very high value in Japanese society

• Men : use dark colors as black or dark blue to have a low key and classy look. The goal is to impress without standing out too much

• Women : dark colors, short skirts and pants are never to be worn. Heels should be avoided and women should minimize the amount of accessories that they wear also

• While speaking you should be of calm nature. Never raise your vocie or speak too loud. Avoid using excessive hand gestures or pointing when you speak (some hand gestures have different meanings and could be misinterpreted)

Japanese Business Etiquette

• NEVER pat a Japanese man on the back or shoulder.

• Avoid causing someone to "lose face" by pointing out their mistakes or shortcomings in front of others.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets while speaking to someone.

• Avoid pointing at people with a finger to make a point. Pointing, whether with fingers or chopsticks, is considered especially rude in Japan.

Thank you for your attention !

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