Working with the Japanese

Overview

Our briefings are designed for employees working with the Japanese.  We thoroughly review the Japanese people and their business culture and provide practical information on their country.

Course Content

• The underpinning behaviour of Japanese society: Delegates learn about:
• Japanese deference to authority
• Humility and respect
• Nenko, the seniority-based system in the workplace
• The use of silence
• Wa (social harmony)
• Kao (face)
• Ringi (decision-making process)
• Uchi no Kaisha “Our Company”
• The Japanese focus on customer service.

Characteristic Traits of the Japanese

• The “Japanese” style of communication
• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Values and preferences
• Business and personal relationships

Management Behaviours

• Leadership
• Meeting format
• The language of management
• Presenting to the Japanese
• Conflict and resolving disputes
• Negotiating style

Video-Work: ‘Working with the Japanese’

Group Exercise: Appearance versus reality
Delegates are challenged to consider a series of stereotypical statements and explain the ‘reality’ of such behaviours and values by taking the role of the Japanese and seeing things through their eyes.

Strategies for Working Effectively Together: Practical and useful tips that will help cement relationships and get the best out of multi-cultural working