Understanding the differences between Japanese and American business cultures is important for anyone doing business in Japan. While there are many similarities, experts like Kavan Choksi Japan say there are also some key areas where these two cultures differ. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when doing business in Japan.
Relationships
One of the most important things to understand about Japanese business culture is that relationships are important. In America, it’s all about getting the job done as efficiently as possible. In Japan, however, building strong relationships is seen as essential to doing business. This means that meetings may be more formal and take longer than you’re used to. It’s also important to build a rapport with your Japanese counterparts before getting down to business.
Hierarchy
Another key difference is that Japanese businesses tend to be hierarchical. This means that decisions are made from the top down, and it can be difficult to get things done without approval from those in positions of authority. In America, meanwhile, businesses are more decentralized, and decisions are often made by teams or committees. This can make doing business in Japan feel slow and frustrating at times.
Communication Styles
It’s worth noting that communication style differs between these two cultures as well. In America, direct communication is the norm. We tend to say what we mean and mean what we say. In Japan, however, indirect communication is more common. This means that people may not always say what they’re thinking directly. Instead, they may try to communicate indirectly through subtle cues or body language. This can make it challenging to understand what someone really means when they’re speaking to you.
Career Trajectories
It’s also important to understand that career trajectories differ between America and Japan. In America, it’s common for people to change jobs frequently. In Japan, however, most people stay with the same company for their entire careers. This can make it difficult to advance your career if you’re not in the right company.
Work Weeks
While there are some similarities, there are also significant differences between the American and Japanese cultures. One area where this is evident is in the way that work weeks are structured. In America, the work week is typically Monday through Friday, with weekends off. In Japan, however, many companies expect employees to work on Saturdays as well. This can be a shock for those who are used to having weekends free. Additionally, Japanese workers often take far less vacation time than their American counterparts. As a result, they may have to work longer hours during the week to make up for this. Though it can be difficult to adjust to at first, understanding these cultural differences can help you to better navigate the workplace in Japan.
Final Thoughts
Doing business in Japan can be a challenge for Americans who are used to a more direct style of communication and a flat organizational structure. However, by understanding some of the key ways that Japanese business culture differs from American business culture, you can avoid some common pitfalls and build strong relationships with your Japanese counterparts.
