Overcoming Japanese risk-adverseness
When risk-averse people like the Japanese feel that they need more information, they tend to stall…Thus, many Americans who work with Japanese firms wonder, how can we get the company...
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Women working with the Japanese
The number of women in professional and managerial positions in Japan has been rising significantly in recent years. In the past there may have been instances of Japanese who...
“Magic Phrases” when dealing with Japanese
Non-Japanese are often frustrated by Japanese colleagues who do not give sufficient direction or opinions. It can feel like pulling teeth to try to get clear guidance…...
“Tough Love” Japanese style
It has always been accepted wisdom in Japan that a manager must be tough in order to be respected. Being hard on someone, pointing out all their mistakes, and...
Meeting materials in advance is a must when doing business with Japan
Unbeknownst to many non-Japanese, not receiving meeting materials in advance drives Japanese businesspeople crazy!...
Writing reports the Japanese want to read
In any business setting, reports are a crucial tool. When writing reports for your Japanese colleagues, using a few key strategies can decrease frustrations and help you meet your...
Are Japanese secretive?
Japanese seldom intentionally try to hide things from non-Japanese colleagues, but they often inadvertently create that impression through various habits and communication style differences....
Working for a Japanese company – Is it right for you?
Joining a Japanese company can either be a career plus or a career disaster. The distinctive features of the Japanese business environment can be positive or negative depending on...
Japanese acquisitions overseas – Building a hybrid culture
The concept of a hybrid culture is to take the best of each corporate culture and blend them together into a stronger whole....
Japanese international acquisitions – What’s different this time?
While each M&A situation poses its unique challenges, and thus requires unique approaches, the common element is that careful attention needs to be paid to the complex people issues involved....