Category : Career | Sub Category : Latest career Posted on 2023-11-06 10:34:34
There are no absolutes in the world. Everything has its pros and cons. Some of the key features of Japanese business culture, at least in traditional setups, like being collectivists and a strong emphasis on teamwork, a strict hierarchy system, and the tendency to go into each micro detail of every task (well, this factor is the same with any Japanese company) also have their pros and cons. Isn’t it right to check both sides of the coin with an open mind?
Cons:
The above-mentioned aspects of customs mainly result in slow processes, often delayed execution and go-to-market timelines, and increased costs. No doubt, Japan tends to keep its place among the high-cost countries.
More importantly, one of the biggest disadvantages of traditional work practices is that it has prevented diversity in the workforce. This has been one of the reasons that although Japan has been a leading force in manufacturing, it failed to make an impact in the software domain because software products need a more global mindset.
Even in the manufacturing sector, for example, the automotive industry, even though Japan did pretty well, it failed to create the brand image many European carmakers could achieve.
Things are changing quickly, and modern Japanese companies focus on increased diversity, but Japan lost some precious years overall.
Some people also say that the above-mentioned cultural aspects adversely affect innovativeness.
To some extent, it may be true for individual innovativeness. However, as a country, Japan does fairly well when we talk about innovations.
Talk about the world’s first bullet train in 1964. Soon after, the work on Maglev started as long back as 1969. Japan also made the world record for the Maglev train speed in 2015, with a speed of 603 km/h (375 mph). There are many other examples, but well, this article is all about work culture, not innovations.
If we move to the pros side of Japanese work customs, we cannot ignore the following points:
• Quality and dependability: When people buy a Japanese product, quality is something that does not come as a question mark in the decision-making process. Japan’s Kaizen practices have permeated global management, leaving an indelible mark on organizational approaches worldwide. Among other continuous improvements, Kaizen was responsible for Toyota’s Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management system, and the world learned from it.
• Politics at the workplace: The hierarchy system and the collectivist approach drastically reduce politics at the workplace. Moreover, it balances the stress factor, which people assume comes from the long working hours in traditional setups.
And well, to a great extent, the dedication to the work, responsibilities, and the organization balances the negative effects of slow execution and higher cost of execution.
Traditional Vs. Modern Japanese Work Practices:
• Seniority and promotions are based on accomplishments. Managers delegate and leave it to the employees to achieve targets without much regard for how they do it.
• Long work hours are there only when those are really required. In many traditional Japanese companies, Japanese employees often remain in the office until the manager leaves, which is not true in most foreign and progressive Japanese companies. As a result, productivity and work-life balance have become key themes in many workplaces.
• The work environment is far less formal and much more casual. People are usually on a first-name basis. Many have different communication styles and conduct themselves in the office; it is less about fitting a mold and more about getting the job done while understanding the company’s fundamental values. The dress code can be suit and tie or business casual, meaning a shirt with a collar and business slacks.
In short, whether working for a traditional company or a modern setup, adapting to the business culture and work environment is sometimes challenging. However, it is much easier to assimilate if you can establish and develop relationships.
Moreover, please note that even though the cultural aspects may differ, work ethics in Japan remain the same regardless of what kind of company you work with.
