Imagine your organisation is visited by a delegation of Japanese businessmen who are interested in investing in South Africa. 3. Do research into Japanese culture and business customs. 4. Then prepare a poster and 1-2 minute presentation that could be used to prepare the rest of the staff, to ensure that no misunderstandings arise during the visit.
Poster:
Title: Cultural Understanding: Doing Business with Japanese
- Bowing: A traditional form of greeting in Japan, bowing is a sign of respect and should be reciprocated when meeting Japanese businessmen.
- Business Cards: Important in Japanese culture, always present and receive business cards with both hands, and take a moment to read and acknowledge the information.
- Punctuality: Time is highly valued in Japanese culture, arriving late is considered disrespectful. Always be on time for meetings and appointments.
- Group Decision Making: In Japanese business culture, decisions are often made by consensus within a group, not by individuals. Be prepared for a longer decision-making process.
- Silence: Silence is not always awkward in Japanese culture, as it can often be a sign of contemplation. Avoid filling in the silence with unnecessary chatter.
- Gift Giving: It is customary to exchange gifts as a sign of gratitude and respect. When giving gifts, always present them with both hands and avoid extravagant or flashy gifts.
Presentation:
"Konnichiwa! Today, we will be discussing some important cultural customs and business practices to keep in mind when interacting with our Japanese business partners.
Firstly, let's talk about bowing. Bowing is a sign of respect in Japanese culture, and it is important to reciprocate this gesture when meeting our Japanese guests. Remember to bow slightly lower than the person you are greeting.
Next, business cards are highly valued in Japan. Always present and receive business cards with both hands, and take a moment to read and acknowledge the information on the card.
Punctuality is crucial in Japanese culture, so always be on time for meetings and appointments. In Japanese business culture, decisions are often made by consensus within a group, so be prepared for a longer decision-making process.
Silence is not always awkward in Japanese culture, so don't feel the need to fill it with unnecessary chatter. And when exchanging gifts, remember to present them with both hands and avoid extravagant or flashy gifts.
By understanding and respecting these cultural customs, we can ensure a successful and harmonious visit with our Japanese business partners. Thank you for your attention, and let's make the most of this opportunity to strengthen our international relationships."
Arigatou gozaimasu! (Thank you very much!)