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The workshop of “Cross-Cultural Understanding with Japan” was very resourceful, participated by a good-mixture of European and Japanese people.
Here are a summary of highlights for those who couldn’t come and those who wish to know clues underlying the Japanese business:
- Culture is like an iceberg. Eighty percent of the iceberg is under the sea and we don’t see it. So called “typical” Japanese culture, such as sushi, high-tech instruments, kimono, bowing, are all the tip of iceberg supported by the rituals, geography, history, values, etc. hidden under the water.
- Major factors from which Japan is made — Geographic location and its historical consequences, climate, rice-growing culture and the peace that lasted for 700 years.
- The Japanese trap — Unconscious bias by the Western managers visiting Japan
- A significant difference in the meaning of silence and space between Europe and Japan. It was proven that thirty-seconds’ silence is too long and uncomfortable for the Europeans, while nothing in particular for the Japanese.
- “Uchi- Soto“, the way the Japanese position you as a European business partner.
- Relationship, not individuals, counts
It is worth noting that discussion by participants enriched the workshop, as well as eye-opening exercises.
Listening and observing others without judgement by one’s values is a good start for understanding of other cultures. In doing so it is natural that you may get upset or find someone strange. Such moment is a wonderful opportunity for you to know your own values. Think “Against what criteria am I upset? “
Working across cultures is not always easy but rewarding. Cultural diversity enables 1 + 1 be more than 3, 4 and more, and ultimately leads to the innovation.
Last but not the least, many thanks must go to the Swiss-Japanese Chamber of Commerce (SJCC) which invited us for the workshop and Sunstar SA for the nice seminar room and warm reception!
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