Motivating Japanese subordinates
Within the same culture, individuals vary as to what they find motivating. Finding motivators that work for the individual and understanding the culturally-determined aspects of motivation will...
Working with Japanese
Why don’t Japanese share more information?
Due to their struggles using and understanding the English language, Japanese often get exhausted trying to express themselves, and give up before they have communicated all the necessary information. ...
Personality traits that work well in Japanese companies
A short list of positive personality traits that make it easier to do business with Japanese companies...
“Ogata heya” or cubicles? thoughts on sharing space
Japanese managers prefer staff to work in one large open room, Americans prefer cubicles, and some companies find a perfect hybrid...
Senpai & kohai: in Japan, experience is the best teacher
More than just mentor/mentee or senior/junior, the senpai/kohai relationship is the basic organizing feature in a Japanese company...
Japanese managers want subordinates to take the initiative
Japanese managers expect experienced staffers to be self-starters...
Japanese businesses: one big happy family? no. extended family? yes!
"Habatsu," or factions within a Japanese company cause internal competition among groups rather than individuals...
Japanese training 101: keep your eyes open with minarai
Training in Japan often involves learning by watching -- "minarai" -- rather than by classroom instruction...
Clearing the air — the power of apology in Japan
If something goes wrong, don't make excuses; take responsibility and apologize....
After five in Japan… happy hour or the crux of the matter? The art of nomunication
After-hours drinking provides an important outlet when Japanese businessmen allow themselves to speak their minds...