The group is more important than the individual-
The Japanese believe that cooperation and harmony among all members of a group is more important than an individual's desire to put his or her interests above all others. In North America, there is an extreme form of individualism and an emphasis on one's rights. In Japan, each individual is important, however, he or she is not an isolated being. Each individual is a member of a team, whether a family, an office, a neighbourhood, a community, or the country. The Japanese believe that whatever they do or say, they must keep in mind the interests of others. Cooperation in a group takes precedence over individual responsibility, authority, or initiative.
The appearance of harmony-
The Japanese believe that surface harmony must be maintained. In doing business with the Japanese, the relationship is just as (or may be more) important than the business itself is. Logic and facts alone reflect a coldness and insensitivity to human nature. For the Japanese, respect, sensitivity, and harmony are sometimes more important than the truth. From a Western perspective, it is like keeping the peace with "little white lies" if necessary. An example might be telling a host how delicious a terrible meal is.
Don't say 'no'-
The Japanese try to avoid confrontations and direct questions that might create discomfort or a loss of face. The Japanese are not direct, open, or frank. Often they are criticized for being too vague, but their real intentions might be to respect and develop a relationship.
By Sharad Chandra Shukla
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