Culture Adapting
The Japanese have mastered the art of adopting desirable aspects of other cultures without compromising their own values, norms, and customs. The most critical of these that must be understood is maintaining proper etiquette. The Japanese have always been obsessed with form and therefore have created a strict code of behavior reinforced by the consequence of severe embarrassment if this code of etiquette is not maintained.It is almost necessary to have a personal connection to the Japanese business- man; this person is called a shokai-sha. The Japanese tend to be wary of anyone who makes contact with them without a personal introduction. This shokai-sha must be someone of respected status to whom you are making the acquaintance. The shokai-sha may also act as a negotiator when the going gets tough or he may also offer suggestions along the way (Rowland, 7).When actually meeting and greeting the Japanese, handshakes are commonplace. Although, the traditional bow are still the rule. A handshake may be used after the bow has been completed. There are two main bows associated with separate occasions. The deep bow is used for formal gatherings and the informal bow, which is used throughout the day between people of all ranks (Rowla
One must always keep in mind that cultural compromises must be met to ensure success overseas. Socializing is a very large part of doing business in Japan. A few days in the month of August, most businesses will close to celebrate Obon, the Buddhist All Souls' Day. Business hours are generally the same as Western civilizations. The group as a whole must be won over because it has unanimous support already. These gifts must be presented to the group as a whole. These set of expectations mat lead to one proving successful or result in failure among those representing a foreign business. This will generally save a loss of face in any way and avoid confrontation with the other party (Rowland, 31). During this time, people return to their native towns. This may often seem two-faced in many cultures, but this is what maintains a sense of harmony in the Japanese culture (Rowland, 19). In Japanese culture, decision-making is the responsibility of a group as a whole. This mean some "truths" will be withheld from the other party. They want to know what will happen if they don't do something.
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Acceptance Essays
