Handling Business: Comparison Between Japan and the United States

Handling Business: Comparison between Japan and the United States

International Marketing and Management

December 16th, 2011

Table of contents:

Introduction ……………………

3

Business culture …………………… 3-6

Non-verbal communication …………………… 6-9

Government involvement in private business …………………… 9-14

Business in Japan vs. United States …………………… 14-20

Conclusion …………………… 20

References …………………… 21-22

Introduction

Japan and the U.S. have different cultures from each other. Their historical context is one of the reasons of why they have different values. The values create cultural context and non-verbal communication that is present in their business settings. Before conducting business with one of those countries, it is very important to understand the business culture in order to avoid misinterpretation of non-verbal communication. It is important not only to understand the business culture of trading partners, but also to know the legacies of trading with them. The trading partners willing to have business with Japan or U.S. need to understand the extent of governmental involvement in private businesses. The economic prosperity depends from this involvement. The stories of successful or unsuccessful involvement will give a good idea about what it is to have business with one of those countries. Thus, knowing one's country is the ticket to success.

Business culture

Japanese business culture

Historical context. For two centuries, from 1648 to 1853, Japan experienced a high population density and isolation. Japan holds 3% of the world's population that lives just