Japanese Business Culture - Research Paper Example

The paper "Japanese Business Culture" is a worthy example of a business research paper. Doing business in Japan is relatively quite different from that in the UK or US. There are a number of different points to be remembered while communicating with the Japanese. The first and most important etiquette that needs to be kept in mind is the style of greeting. It is considered to be rude to grab the hand of the Japanese counterpart and to give a mighty shake. Also, it is considered to be rude to pat a person’s back or shoulder and to pass any disparaging remark about anyone including the competitors (Venture Japan, 2010).

Secondly, the Japanese give a lot of importance to the business cards and the more visiting cards a person has during the trip the better it is. The business cards need to be specially printed on a double side. The card should be presented with the Japanese version facing upwards. While presenting the business cards to Japanese counterparts, it is essential to note that throwing, sliding, flicking, pushing or lobbing is not acceptable. It is important to present the business cards with respect offered with both hands with a slight bow.

Similarly while receiving a business card, the same stance requires to be used and it is important to see the card before simply putting it into the pocket (Kwintessential, 2010). Also fidgeting or playing with the cards is also considered to be very offensive for the Japanese businessmen. Japanese give a lot of importance to business cards hence it is important to take extreme care. Thirdly, Japanese businessmen are very punctual and time conscious. It is always better to be early to the meetings and in case of any possible delay, it is considered important to call the host and let them know at least an hour in advance.

Also, it is essential to understand that as punctual as the Japanese are for starting the meetings, similarly, they finish also as per the scheduled time (World Business Cultures.com, 2010). This allows everyone to have better time management and also permits people to plan the agenda accordingly. Individuals need to wait to be seated in the meeting as there is a particular hierarchy in which the seating arrangements are normally made. Also, it is important to note that Japanese people are very prolific note-takers and take down each and every point being discussed.

Hence while doing business with Japanese it is better to always take detailed notes (Venture Japan, 2010). Considering the business attire, unlike the UK where the attire is less strict in terms of formals, Japanese are very formal and particular. Dark navy or black suits with white shirts and simple and neutral color for a tie are essential. Also, during summers the acceptable dress code is short sleeve shirts but not tees or polo shirts. Also, well-groomed and clean-shaven is the best option to be followed in Japan.

Also, for women, it is important to wear conservative attire and if the person has long hair, it would be best to tie it back (Kwintessential, 2010). Also, the acceptable attire for women are trousers, suits or skirts and using branded clothing and items is always advantageous. Finally, in terms of negotiations, it is important to understand that Japanese people are nonconfrontational and have a very difficult time saying ‘no’. The nonverbal signs that they use are a strong give away on how they feel.

Also, it is always better to phrase questions where the Japanese need to answer ‘yes’. Japanese tend to be intent listeners and prefer to keep their eyes closed while listening carefully. Also, they are very silent for long periods of time hence, it is important to figure out whether or not they understand everything that has been spoken. Japanese prefer to have written contracts which are not always final and can be renegotiated (Japan-guide.com, 2010). They also expect the parties to come ready with the best offers as concessions are seldom granted.

Finally, it is important to keep the temper in control and never to raise your voice during a negotiation as it is considered to be offensive to the Japanese. Calm, composed and serious behavior at all times can make a person a long way while doing business with Japanese.