1. The Japanese sararîman ("salary man") is the person you will most likely encounter during your meetings in Japan, although the Japanese team might also include one or more members who have a blue-collar background. Among the values of the highest importance to the "salary man" are the Japanese work ethic of dedication to the job, teamwork, deference to those above him in rank, and a distaste for standing out as an individual.
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2. You should not assume that every female employee you encounter in Japan is a secretarial worker known as an "Office Lady." There is a small but increasing number of female executives in Japan's corporate world, and one of these women may even be part of the Japanese team with whom you will be meeting. A female executive would be quite offended to be mistaken for an Office Lady.
3. Be aware that there are significant differences between the business cultures of large corporations and smaller companies in Japan. Smaller firms are freer than large ones to take advantage of new opportunities, but their finances also tend to be less stable.
4. Tight, informal networks of close friends, often forged during the university years, cut laterally across corporate and bureaucratic lines. If you become friendly with a member of such a group, especially a graduate of a prestigious university, you may gain access to other influential individuals.
5. Japanese executives are used to working together as a team; even their open office layout reflects this emphasis on group work instead of the individual. Therefore, they will feel more comfortable with you and your Western colleagues if you also utilize a team approach and do not allow one individual to dominate your discussions.
6. The working day of the Japanese executive often extends into a working night. After leaving the office, many hours are spent in informal socializing with co-workers, clients, and prospective business partners. It is to your advantage to take part in this socializing if you are invited, for you will be able to develop a closer relationship with your counterparts.
7. Japan is a hierarchical society where a great deal of respect is paid to individuals of higher rank and status. This is true in business life as well as in personal life, and if you, too, pay appropriate deference, it will be greatly appreciated by your Japanese counterpart.
8. Company loyalty is a highly esteemed value in Japan, and the Western custom of job hopping is not customary among Japanese executives. You may therefore wish to demonstrate your loyalty to your own employer and exhibit pride in your company's achievements.