Business Culture in Japan and the World
Business Culture in Japan and the World
Overview
This week’s lesson focused on Japanese business culture, including conventions, expectations, and traditions in the workplace. Many features of Japanese business culture relate closely to the cultural dimensions of power distance and individualism versus collectivism. Japanese business ethics are deeply rooted in Japanese history; Yamamoto and Lloyd (2019) suggest that Japan’s work-centric business culture stems from spiritual beliefs that promote working for the collective good as a way to develop one’s meaning of existence and become closer to kami (a godlike state), achieved through “tireless practice and mastering a skill” (p. 115). In other words, work in Japan is often seen as a means of reaching spiritual enlightenment (Yamamoto & Lloyd, 2019).
Garcia (2016) explains that some of Japan’s cultural traditions may also be tied to its geographical circumstances. Since Japan is a small, densely populated country, it has developed a heightened concern for the collective and for the feelings of others, as well as for living in harmony with people and nature as a whole. These unique circumstances may play a major role in shaping business norms, such as valuing group consensus, establishing harmony, and building relationships with colleagues. One difference between Western and Japanese business contexts, according to Garcia (2016), is that in the West “people say and act as they think,” whereas in Japan “people say and act as the group considers appropriate” (p. 114). Differences such as these can create challenges for foreign workers, as many cultural nuances must be proactively learned in order to adjust one’s behaviour to properly integrate (Franklin, 2017).
Similarities and Differences Between Japan and Canada
Surprisingly, after watching A Day in the Life of a Japanese Retail Store Worker, I noticed many similarities between Japanese and Canadian business culture. Across my varied work experiences, I have encountered practices very similar to those depicted in the video. For example, it was common in my jobs to have team meetings where a manager would outline the day’s goals and explain how these goals were expected to be met. Additionally, many of my colleagues frequently brought lunches from home.
However, there were some differences. One is the general work ethic of employees, though this varies depending on the job. In my experience, there is usually at least one person who attempts to do as little as possible while avoiding scrutiny. From what I have heard (and from what the video suggests), this seems less common in Japan, where greater emphasis is placed on diligence and hard work. Another difference is work gatherings such as nomikai. Most of the workplace gatherings I attended in Canada were held during work hours, requiring no extra time from employees. That said, when I worked as a railroader, I did attend something similar to a nomikai; my coworkers and I went to a restaurant to spend time together, although these gatherings could become quite boisterous, which I personally dislike. Overall, while Canada may not have as many well-defined workplace traditions, there are certainly general structural similarities between the two countries’ business cultures.
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