Cultural Influences on Business Operation

Country: Japan

 I am unfamiliar with Japan, and it is important to understand its culture before conducting the business. After researching specific culture in Japan, I learn that the country has a multifaceted culture which is rooted in both the traditions and modern society. The first specific culture is based on the Japanese language. I have learned that there are about 124 million speakers of the Japanese language and they tend to copy the Chinese characters such as the use of vocabulary.  Having understood that majority speak the Japanese language, I was interested in understanding more about the business, and I learned that on etiquette and customs, people are expected to have good manners (Alston & Takei, 2005). Japan has a formal business etiquette in a business setting in that a person in the highest ranking gives out a business card. The card is an indication of the beginning of a relationship, a sign of utmost respect and a sign of self-introduction.  The guest is also expected to give out a card to introduce himself respectfully.   In business meetings, an individual should dress in a formal way, wait for the host to show the position to sit, the visitor is not expected not lead the meeting or to be the first in eating or doing related things. The visitor should get involved in the dialogue by taking notes using black of a blue pen.  In business management,   the business owner or the employer should avoid praising a single individual but should recognize all individuals and reward them as a team (Alston & Takei, 2005). Employees also develop a sense of belonging when the manager places the company in a social media profile for friends and families to value the company.  Japan is full of people with a degree and a higher level of education and a higher percentage use internet. Overall, the specific business practices I expect with relation to culture are handshake, business card etiquette, I should have a higher level of education since Japanese deal with high-ranking individuals, I should focus on group orientation, dress formally such as gray suits and participate in meetings (Alston & Takei, 2005).

 If I were to open a business in Japan, the ‘cultural-wise' expectations I expect include; highly educated workforce who would achieve the goal of the business. This is because, university education in Japan is valued and majority of workers are educated.  On the same note, I expect quality leadership, hardworking employees, innovation, high level of expertise and knowledge.  Second, I expect a strong work ethic because the culture focus on group orientation which means that workers are educated and committed as they work as a team thereby creating a sense of responsibility (Alston & Takei, 2005). 

            As well, there are specific cultural items of concern that I would report back to my organizational leadership. The first cultural item of concern is the business card.  It is important for the leadership to know that the card is essential since it contains the title and it acts as a formal introduction. My Organization should be prepared for the special occasion and take care of the business card (Alston & Takei, 2005).  I would also report on matters concerning the dress code where professionals are expected to wear modest clothing such as suit with tie.  It is also important for the leadership to know more about the greetings which involve bowing down the head when greeting senior people. Last, the leadership should be well prepared in attending the meetings. They should be ready to negotiate during decision making (Alston & Takei, 2005).

 

 

 

Reference

Alston, J. P., & Takei, I. (2005). Japanese business culture and practices: A guide to twenty-first century

Japanese business. New York: iUniverse.