Introduction
Negotiation of contracts forms the basis of different individuals performing a particular task together, regardless of their cultural, political, economical, or religious backgrounds. Two or more individuals, countries come together and discuss about how they can work together for the achievement of a common goal, and for the welfare of all of them.
Contracts are agreements on something, which may even be documented, mostly involving a task that would be shared for a particular period, hence does not last forever. This paper will investigate into the cultural aspects of Japan as well as the assumptions put across about it.
Additionally, it will look closely into the best approaches that I can use to negotiate a contract with an organization based in Japan as well as the most crucial factors that should be considered in such a scenario. Furthermore, it will also provide an overview of the variations that would occur if I was negotiating with people from my own country.
Aspects of Japanese culture
Japan is known for its unique culture among all other countries in the world. First, its culture is marked by an aspect of homogeneity. This form of set up implies that few foreigners would be found living in the country. Even though they embrace carrying out international businesses, they discourage intermarriages as a way to enhance the homogeneity.
This aspect has also contributed to them liking doing business among themselves other than trading with other nations. This aspect leads them to be famous for self-awareness, embracing group work as well as being conformed to their state (Bucknall, 2006).
Secondly, they posses a strong nationalism feeling that have penetrated in the business organizations. They have always had the idea that imports are not the best goods for them to purchase or work with for they consider them inferior to what they produce on their own. Thus, they always have confidence with what they have and what they produce, therefore always working hard to produce the best even in their industries.
Thirdly, they believe that no human being, group or state should posses more power than the other, regardless of their wealth or status. They therefore discourage antagonism, the reason for them wanting to be separate among other nations. This aspect also contributes to them working in groups, rather than individually (Bucknall, 2006).
The Japanese culture is distinct from my country’s culture in that, ours is not a homogenous state, but a heterogeneous one. At the same time, the issue of nationalism has not affected my country so much, since we do not always feel that what we make by ourselves is the best of all, therefore we embrace what other countries produce to be superior, thus valuing imports.
More over, mine is a state where group work is not very highly valued especially when it comes to business, thus anybody can easily operate independent of an organization provided they make wealth.
As a result, there exist social classes of the wealthy, middle class as well as poor people. Furthermore, my state values immigration aspects, making it to have all kinds of people from distinct states, and intermarriage is also allowed (Bucknall, 2006).
Various assumptions about the culture
Nevertheless, there are various assumptions that have been put across by other countries about Japan. One, they are very united in all aspects. This is evidenced by their value for harmony, since they dislike mingling with or being influenced by other people from other cultures. Bucknall wrote, “Harmony in Group Relations is heavily prized”; they like doing things and behaving as a group, thus the aspect of harmony is highly embraced.
Secondly, I know the Japanese to be hardworking people and those who are self-driven in everything. It is evident that they have the highest level of technology across Asia. At the same time, the fact they work as a group to enhance the harmony makes them to be termed as hardworking, since when they discover something new, it is usually not meant for one parson but for the welfare of every citizen.
Therefore, I will not be wrong in selecting an organization in Japan to negotiate a contract with. More over, Japanese people fear crimes so much. Bucknall wrote about how they value the “shame on you” phrase since when one commits crime, it is believed that his family can get cursed. There fore, I presume that they are the best people to perform business or any activity with (Condry, 2006).
Approach to contract negotiations
Bearing in mind the culture of the organization that I want to negotiate a contract with, I am careful not to fail in the whole business. The Japanese believe in homogeneity, as well as working in groups to achieve their goals, thus I would go with the idea of working as a team in order to achieve a common goal, and promise to work to my best to ensure that the results are good.
They also believe in dedication to work, therefore, I would enquire to know the level of commitment they would expect from our company and promise to attend to that. I also am familiar with the fact that they like perceiving and exploiting power, thus I would not go against their ideas, knowing that they are hard workers, I would train myself to have confidence in them.
More so, I would approach the contract negotiation with a lot of confidence and respect for I know that they like such qualities. Furthermore, I consider them people who value integrity, thus treating them with a lot of it would be the best policy.
I am also confident that they always listen to ones proposals and are friendly, thus I would be confident that they would listen to my opinions, thus I would go courageously proposing my idea. Finally, I would only express my interest for the contract, be a good listener, and be slow to speak, since I know that the Japanese like expressing their minds.
I would also make myself value their culture, respect their opinions under all circumstances when negotiating on the contract. More important, I would kindly propose the use of a national language for a better understanding. This approach is different from the one I would use with people of my own country (Schaffer, et al., 2008).
Several factors have to be considered during the negotiations. The Japanese fall in the category of monochromic cultures, whose people like doing things in a sequence, linearly and always focus on one object at a time, hence, I have to ensure that we discuss one thing as per their schedule.
Secondly, I have to consider space orientations in terms of the territory, distinctions between public and private corporations a personal distance that is comfortable in a discussion etc.
It is also important to focus on differences between powers to avoid any kind of discrimination. In addition, it is crucial to consider the best form of communication between the involved parties, whether verbal or nonverbal communication for a good contact negotiation process (Schaffer, et al., 2008).
Conclusion
Negotiating a contract with an organization in Japan may not be so easy, owing to the differences in culture, strategic management methods, as well as other economical, political, and economical distinctions that occur between countries. However, I believe that nothing should be too hard if the right methodologies and approaches are utilized to bring two parties together.
It is always in order to consider the aspects of culture, and more so, examine carefully ones assumptions towards a particular people. Factors that should be considered while performing such negotiations should not be ignored for they play a very vital role.
Overall, it is possible for me to negotiate a contract, having considered the facts herein discussed. Furthermore, the objectives of this paper have been achieved (Schaffer, et al., 2008).
Reference List
Bucknall, K., 2006. The most important elements in Japanese Culture, especially for those doing business with Japan. Web. Web.
Condry, I., 2006. Hip-hop Japan: rap and the paths of cultural globalization. California: Duke University Press.
Schaffer, R. et al. 2008. International Business Law and Its Environment. OH: Cengage Learning publishers.