When working with Japanese counterparts it is helpful to know some of the background behind why they think the way they do. Below are listed five key points to understanding Japanese thinking. Each of these points cause the thinking process used in Japan to be different than that accustomed to by most Western people.
If you can adjust your mindset to understand this background, you will become positively enabled to interact at an elevated level of efficiency and even better, to use the positive aspects in your own methods of developing products and services.
Key Point #1: The level of service considered ‘extraordinary’ in the US is generally only considered ‘average’ by Japanese standards
Key Point #2: To the average American, the macro level end result is important. To the average Japanese, the details that cause the end result are more important.
Key Point #3: The Japanese language leads to logical thought patterns using progressive building blocks laid out in graphic detail. The English language more easily enables wordy statements not rooted in logic.
Key Point #4: While Americans tend to be direct and transparent with intentions, Japanese tend to be indirect. Be aware of “tatemae” and diligently search to discover and understand the “honne” position.
Key Point #5: In the US, "who you know" can often be as important as "what you know". To win credibility in Japan, you must personally through your own experience, absolutely, positively, without a doubt seek out and understand the fundamentals, the basic essence of every idea and concept – no shortcuts allowed
4 comments:
Very interesting. We have just written a book urging people to use systems diagramming techniques (as opposed to vague, fluffy, over-generalised, non-prescriptive, emotive text and group think) in order to get back to the underlying detail and the impersonal structures of cause and effect. (if you are interested you can download a free pdf from www.lulu.com/content/1224917.
I don't quite understand your point 4. Could you say a little more about it.
John,
Thanks for your comment. Your book is very interesting - lots of fundamental theory in why we think the way we do. I love the Fluff Buster notion. Right on!
My point 4 describes a common communication phenomenon in Japan.(Note: Japanese people are generally very indirect as a culture, until they have time to know and more fully understand each other).
"Tatemae" comes from two Japanese words - tatsu, which means to stand and mae, which means in front. So tatemae is what one says in font or on the surface.
"Honne" also is based on two words - hon, which means real or true and ne, which represents sound or noise. So honne is how one honestly feels deep inside.
In Japan one will not be able to realize where he or she stands in a business or personal relationship until you get past the tatemae and understand the honne.
So the point is to do all the things required to build trust so that one can cut through the surface and understand the true intent.
Thanks much! Hope that helps clarify.
Very interesting. Thanks
yes very interesting. i love japanese culture, im still learning and eventually want to know about japanese business which in itself is a whole other side. nice post
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