This time, we want to touch on a phenomenon that everybody working with the Japanese has likely experienced and is invariably raised in JCO’s seminars. Namely the fact that in response to our questions, Japanese colleagues will often reply with multiple questions of their own instead of a concrete answer. Why does this confusing behavior…
Sometimes when Westerners work with Japanese they can be frustrated by the lack of feedback from their Japanese managers. Why is it sometimes difficult to get feedback from Japanese managers? There can be many reasons why there is no feedback. A Japanese boss may be simply not conscious of the need to give feedback. The…
In the English language, a common expression is “the elephant in the room”. This of course refers to a major problem or issue that people are aware of but avoid discussing or acknowledging. In the context of cross-cultural communication between Japan and the West such an elephant also can be found in language itself. Even…
When you work with Japanese, whether colleagues or clients, there is an important cultural aspect that many Westerners overlook in their enthusiasm to “get the job done”. Specifically, this is the importance that the Japanese place on reporting. Because Japan is very hierarchical, Westerners naturally expect decisions to be taken at the top of the…
