Why do Japanese business men avoid eye contact during business meetings? This is a question that has a simple answer. But there is so much more to the meaning and culture that leads to it. Ever since history shows, the Japanese culture is focused around honor and respect. There are 3 things that are majorly important to know when going to a business meeting with Japanese businessmen.
1. Introduction
2. Business Cards/ Gift exchange
3. Body Language
Introduction: Upon the start of a business meeting ( if you are the host ) greet you’re guest(s) with a bow. This is a basic greeting from Japan just as a handshake is in the United States. Then promptly seat them the furthest from the door that you can.
Business Cards: Among the Japanese, when businessmen meet each other, business begins with the exchange of business cards (Kumayama, 1991). Business cards are to be given and received with both hands. As well as not being put away right away. Japanese businessmen find it respectful for you to review the card when it is handed to you.
Gift Exchange: To receive a gift at a meeting is to be expected. When receiving a gift, stand, bow, and receive the gift with both hands. To remain seated and accept the gift with one hand is considered disrespectful. The Japanese may feel as if you pay no value to the fact that they brought you a gift (Kumayama, 1991).
Body Language: There are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to, what may seem normal things, do at a meeting. Small things such as eye contact, hands in pockets, legs crossed, and slouching back in a chair exposing the sole of your shoe can be seen as disrespectful.
If you think about the Japanese cultures and our own when it comes to meetings, they are very similar. Both greet each other, in the Americans with a handshake and Japanese with a bow. The Japanese bring a gift and in America several meetings have refreshments or gift packages.
At the same time though, the Americans differ from the Japanese in many ways. In the United States at meetings people tend to put their inputs and express their ideas, but the meetings tend to only be about an hour. In Japan, meetings tend to go for 2 or 3 hours at a very slow but thorough pace. The people in a Japanese meeting are almost timid to speak their mind during a meeting. From the research I have done, Japanese culture that I have talked about is a geographical culture. It is not seen in other parts of the world, unless through genetic lineage. It is not based off of beliefs or forced on them from the government. Their belief is their way of life. Although as civilization advances so do cultures. With all the international business, the way the Japanese treat Americans and allow themselves to be treated is becoming more like ours. It’s not a bad thing, more of a understanding that in the U.S. we do not practice these cultures. So the Japanese are beginning to accept our cultures without taking so much disrespect from it.