Cultural Test Paper

XBCOM275

University of Phoenix

Cultural Test Paper Globalization has taken business to an international level. With this level comes a responsibility to learn the cultures of those countries where an individual’s business may take them. What is acceptable in one country may be discouraged in another. Committing a faux pas can cost much more than embarrassment. If offended enough, the company who is being pitched to may decide to forego any business affiliation. It shows good intentions to learn at least the important culture highlights.

Japan

Performing business in Japan can be a little harrying, but as long as research is done into the business culture, it is ultimately not that difficult. Many things are important to the Japanese; saving face, non-verbal communication, respect, and hierarchy.

Saving face is a critical part of Japanese culture. They hate to cause embarrassment, and dislike saying no. In business situations, it is rude to put them in a position where they may have to say no, or to put them on the spot.

Non-verbal communication is important because it is possible to misinterpret one’s words, so to ensure they are getting the right message, non-verbal keys are essential. I know that here, when I give a presentation, I take everything into account, but for the Japanese, this goes much deeper. Everything from eye movements, posture, and expressions mean something to them.

Hierarchy and status mean a lot to the culture of Japan. Elders are deferred to, served first, seated first, and spoken to first. Respect is expected, and business is taken seriously. A presentation or argument would be much different in America than in Japan. A good example is that business meetings in America can get heated, but when finished, these happenings can be forgotten if a deal was worked out. Japan is much different where to raise voices or make direct eye contact would be extremely rude.

Closing

All of this must be kept in mind when giving a presentation in this country. Following the cultural expectations can mean the difference between a successful presentation and a failed one. Going into a presentation or meeting prepared, and well versed towards your audience can only bode good for the outcome.

References

Cheesebro, T., O’Connor, L., & Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the workplace. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Moore, B. N., & Parker, R. (2012). Critical thinking (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

JAPAN - LANGUAGE, CULTURE, CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/japan-country-profiles.html