Japanese Communication free essay sample

In the Japanese culture, most every kind of communication and action depends on hierarchy. Hierarchy and seniority are extremely Important In Japan. When bowing to each other, the person of lower status bows more deeply, When In negotiations, the Japanese expect each side to send people of the same age and position, and they literally sit directly across the table from each other during discussions. In the order of speaking, the person with the highest status speaks last; no matter what is said or determined in a negotiation, the person with highest status speaks the last and most important words.In the same respect, a person of higher status speaks in a polite or casual speech, but the person of lower status is required to use super-polite or respectful speech. The Japanese do not use words that are too harsh or strong. They often use maybe and l think so, and they usually means the person feels very strongly about something, although Americans look at It as being weak or indecisive. We will write a custom essay sample on Japanese Communication or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Japanese use the phrase had better Instead of should, and are shocked to ear that It sounds Like a warning or threat.They have been taught that It Is more polite. Some other examples of being based on hierarchy are Japanese seating arrangements, and the exchanging of business cards. For Instance, pertaining to seating, when sitting in a taxi, the person of higher status sits directly behind the driver, and the lowest ranking person sits next to the driver. When exchanging business cards, which is a very important formality of Japanese businessmen, the people with a higher level exchange their cards first, and then on down the line.At any level of status, when a business card is received, the title on the card is immediately checked to verify the status of the person giving the card. When speaking in a group, the Japanese regard one as having character and maturity when they speak for the good of the group; not weak, as Americans would consider themselves. Speaking out, regardless what the rest of the group thinks makes an American look ridiculous, with no credibility. And disagreeing too strongly makes one look Immature to the Japanese.A Japanese businessman will remain silent If he Is to sure of his ability to speak perfect English, so as not to embarrass himself. The Japanese hierarchy is understood across all cultures. The person with higher status or older age, automatically gains the respect of others. For instance, a supervisor in a factory tells his workers to do something a certain way, with no explanation as to why. If a worker were to question him, he would respond with something like Because I have thirty years of experience and I say you should do it this way! The Japanese expect no less than perfection in any product.To the Japanese eye, the slightest effect in a product indicates the overall quality of the company, its workers, and its management. The Japanese often express themselves with body language. For instance, eye contact Is considered rude and uncomfortable, and can be a sign of aggression In some cases; praying hands mean asking for a favor, forgiveness, or showing thanks for a meal; one arm extended, as In praying, means excuse me; crossing arms in front of yourself indicates disagreement, yet crossing arms in front giving a gift, it is required that you bow while holding the gift with both hands.The Japanese share common values and assumptions that are based on a very standardized educational system. Because of this, they need less spoken words to communicate. They often commu nicate with each other with very few words, a motion, or even silence. People of other countries use much more spoken words, and find it hard to understand how much the Japanese are trying to get across. Perhaps if all countries were as efficient as the Japanese in communication, the people of the world would get along better. Or at least in a more accurate manner.