Useful things to know about cultural differences between English and Japanese

1. John C. Condon With Respect to the Japanese Cultural Differences between American and Japanese

2. Introduction

3. Basis of Personal Identification 1°) Individual 2°) THEN, as a Group

4. Basis of Personal Identification Part of some larger Group

5. Nature of Interpersonal Relations Differences in: Age Sex Role Rank ... SHOULD NOT be emphasized

6. Nature of Interpersonal Relations Previous Differences are acknowledged Ex: deference shown in speech

7. Valued Qualities in Work Relations Talent Experience Specialists are sought

8. Valued Qualities in Work Relations Ability to get along with others Evoke and respond to trust

9. Promotions Based on merit High upward mobility

10. Promotions Based on seniority and merit Horizontal Mobility Long Life Employment

11. Interpersonal Communication Channel Directness with persons of comparable status Indirect with subordinates

12. Interpersonal Communication Channel Intermediaries No direct contact With subordinates: direct and frequent contact

13. Communication Style Explicit Verbal presentation of information Vagueness & ambiguity = irritating “Say what you mean, and mean what you say”

14. Communication Style Implicit Non verbal Vagueness & ambiguity = positive! Meaning : “between the lines” What is NOT said...

15. Decision-making Top-down Relatively fast Where necessary Decision by vote Consensus desirable BUT not expected

16. Decision-making Upward: from middle or bottom Relatively slow Consensus through lengthy discussions is expected

17. Conflict and confrontation Inevitable But not neccesarily desirable Should be dealt with directly and frankly Management: Deal withissues as they arise

18. Conflict and confrontation Are to be avoided if at all possible Harmony in interpersonal relations a primary goal Management: prevent problems from occurring

19. Social interaction Spontaneity and novelty are desired Repartee may be enjoyed Disagreements can basis for desired social conversation and stimulation

20. Social interaction Predictability and ritualized interactions prevailed Repartee, sarcasm can be embarrassing Disagreements in public can cause discomfort Humility & politeness

21. Family and work loyalties Immediate family relations OVER work relations Loyaltie to task or professional issue OVER loyaltie to organisation

22. Family and work loyalties Loyalty to organisation OVER family desires Loyalties to parents, benefactors, past teachers Very strong

23. Time orientation Present and immediate future Past serves as reference point RATHER THAN as guide to action Future serves as an attraction but too uncertain for basis of much planning

24. Time orientation Past, present and future all viable Depends of age

25. Little Quizz What is the highest mountain in Japan? What is painted in Japanese national flag ? What is "shinkansen"? What is the national animal of Japan? What is necessary to make "Sushi”: oil, pepper or vinegar ? What is "tofu" made from?