How Communication & Culture Can Affect Business

Summative Report Assignment Name Institution Table of Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Summative Report Assignment PAGEREF _Toc511391192 \h 3Executive Summary PAGEREF _Toc511391193 \h 3Introduction PAGEREF _Toc511391194 \h 3Cultural Foundations of the Communication Styles in Japan PAGEREF _Toc511391195 \h 4Hierarchy in Business PAGEREF _Toc511391196 \h 4Decision Making PAGEREF _Toc511391197 \h 5Gender Issues in Business PAGEREF _Toc511391198 \h 5Linguistic Issues PAGEREF _Toc511391199 \h 6Nonverbal Communication PAGEREF _Toc511391200 \h 6Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc511391201 \h 7References PAGEREF _Toc511391202 \h 8 Summative Report Assignment Executive Summary Different communication styles often cause the loss of business opportunities due to the resulting misunderstandings. Such misunderstandings usually arise when businesspersons fail to consider the cultural practices of different countries and how they affect business communication. The main purpose of this paper is therefore to help business people identify how communication, culture can affect various aspects of the business and how to deal with these differences to create harmony. The country chosen for this study is Japan, which is a collective society. This collectivity means that identity is derived from groups and members of these groups have to agree to a decision to be considered valid. Hierarchy and seniority are very important in Japan as they dictate how business negotiations and office relationships will work. For instance, in any negotiation between two or more Japanese companies, those chosen as representatives must have the same qualifications in terms of age and position. In decision making the ringi system is used to ensure that the decision made is guided by suggestions made by all members as a way of encouraging collective responsibility and accountability in case of any repercussions. Gender plays a significant role in the Japanese business world, although women are not open to take up leadership positions due to cultural issues. It is recommended that for business people wishing to carry out businesses with the Japanese be aware of these facts in order to avoid misunderstandings. It is only by discovering Japan’s way of communication in the workplace and business that any businessperson can succeed in conducting their business with Japan. Introduction The global business environment is expanding as more companies seek to take their operations beyond borders. For any business to succeed, communication is a key factor. This fact is particularly important when dealing with people from different countries that have their own communication styles. Usually, business people who deal with foreign businesses have to consider the communication issue because failure to do so will automatically lead to misunderstandings. Consequently, many important business opportunities can be lost this way. Japan is one such country with a unique communication style when it comes to business. Foreigners working there are bound to deal with some communication gaps that are a result of the unique cultural values and business customs. Nevertheless, understanding these factors puts foreign business persons at a better position of succeeding in their operations in Japan and also makes a w...