Business etiquette and practices companies should be aware of
conduct research on a particular country (other than the U.S.) that
covers at least two of the following three areas:
1. Important and distinct cultural factors, e.g. religion, language, family, values, rituals, etc.
2. Interesting marketing practices, such as unusual laws concerning advertising, product
labeling, environmental issues and intellectual property; popular, yet unusual, advertising
techniques
3. Common business etiquette and practices companies should be aware of when
conducting business in the country of interest
Sample Solution
Cultural Factors
- Religion: Japan is a religiously diverse country, with Shinto and Buddhism being the two major religions. Shinto is a native Japanese religion that focuses on the worship of nature and spirits. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China in the 6th century and has had a profound influence on Japanese culture.
- Language: Japanese is the official language of Japan. It is a unique language that is not related to any other major language family. Japanese is written with a combination of hiragana, katakana, and kanji characters.
- Family: The family is very important in Japanese culture. Japanese families are typically close-knit and supportive. Children are raised to respect their elders and to put the needs of the family before their own
Full Answer Section
- Values: Some of the most important values in Japanese culture include harmony, respect, and hard work. Japanese people are also known for their politeness and reserve.
- Rituals: There are many different rituals and traditions that are important in Japanese culture. These include tea ceremonies, flower arranging ceremonies, and martial arts.
Marketing Practices
- Unusual laws concerning advertising: Japan has a number of unusual laws concerning advertising. For example, it is illegal to advertise cigarettes on television or to use comparative advertising.
- Product labeling: Japanese product labels must be in Japanese and must include certain information, such as the product name, ingredients, and manufacturing date.
- Environmental issues: Japan is a very environmentally conscious country. Many Japanese companies are committed to reducing their environmental impact and developing sustainable products and services.
- Intellectual property: Japan has strong intellectual property laws. Companies should be careful to avoid infringing on Japanese intellectual property rights.
- Popular, yet unusual, advertising techniques: Japanese advertising is known for its creativity and quirkiness. Japanese companies often use unusual advertising techniques to capture attention and stand out from the competition. For example, it is common to see Japanese advertisements that feature anime characters or celebrities.
Business Etiquette and Practices
- Greetings: It is important to greet people respectfully in Japan. The most common greeting is a bow. The depth of the bow depends on the person's social status and the situation.
- Business cards: Business cards are very important in Japan. When exchanging business cards, be sure to hold the card with both hands and to present it to the person with the printed side facing up.
- Punctuality: Punctuality is very important in Japanese business culture. It is considered rude to be late for meetings or appointments.
- Dress code: Business attire in Japan is conservative. Men should wear dark suits and ties, and women should wear suits or dresses.
- Gifts: It is customary to give gifts when doing business in Japan. Gifts should be wrapped in a traditional Japanese style and presented with both hands.
Conclusion
Japan is a unique and fascinating country with a rich culture. Companies that are interested in doing business in Japan should be aware of the country's cultural factors, marketing practices, and business etiquette and practices. By understanding and respecting Japanese culture, companies can increase their chances of success in the Japanese market.