All Weather

January 23, 2012

Caleb
Human Resources
All-Weather

Dear Caleb:

Here at All-Weather, we are always striving for success and doing business with other countries. As an American based company, our culture and etiquette skills differ from other countries. Next week, All-Weather is having two professors from Tokyo’s Hitotsubashi University to teach us about Kaizen. The technique is a Japanese strategy that focuses on problem solving through teamwork. Respecting Japanese and other countries culture is important to All-Weather mission and ethics. Here below are several tips to adapt to the Japanese culture.

Greetings customs and terms of address

Greetings someone who is Japanese is formal and ritualized. It is important to show respect and to be humble to someone based upon their status relative to your own. If possible, wait to be introduced. It can be impolite to introduce yourself first, even in a large gathering.

Conversational etiquette and style

The best way to engage in a conversation with the Japanese is about interests and knowledge. Staying away from past war history and politics are important in building a strong bond with the Japanese. However talking about baseball is a good conversation starter in doing business with the Japanese.

Business etiquette

Doing business with Japanese includes understanding business etiquette. The Japanese understand that it is very difficult for foreigners to understand Japanese. They will not expect you to speak or read Japanese. Also, doing business with Japanese’s includes conservative business attire. Men should wear dark-colored conservative business suits. Women should dress conservatively also wearing a dark-colored suit. The most senior Japanese person will be seated furthest from the door, with the rest of the people in descending rank until the most junior person is seated closest to the door. It may take several meetings for your Japanese counterparts to become comfortable with you and be able to fully teach you the Kaizen.

Appropriate gifts

 Gift giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful. The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important in respecting the Japanese culture. The gift does not have to be expensive, chocolates or small cakes are good ideas. However, do not give lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms, as they are associated with funerals Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness. A bonsai tree is a good gift to give to the Japanese professors that are coming to visit All-Weather . 

Sincerely,

Erin
Manager-Human Resources
(Extension 1015)

The mistakes that Tanner made with interaction with the Japanese professors is:

• Forgot to inform the professors that Caleb will not be at the meeting.
• Disrespects the professors by not bowing and giving a firm handshake.
• Did not appreciate the business card that the professor gave to him.
• Pats the professor on the back.
• Poorly wrapped gifts and the flowers had a different meaning.