Japanese Etiquette and Ethics in Business

by Boyé Lafayette de Mente

Book Overview

Since its original publication, Japanese Etiquette & Ethics in Business, the pioneering work on the subject, has been the standard guide for Westerners doing business with the Japanese--either here or abroad. In this new edition Boyd Lafayette De Mente, who has been living and working in Japan for more than twenty-five years, examines those characteristics that epitomize the Japanese character and business personality. De Mente explains how concepts...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0844285072
• ISBN13: 9780844285078
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Passport Books
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

An Important Business Tool

All cultures are unique, and it is often hard to understand the subtle and significant differences between ones own culture and others that are encountered through the business needs of today's global economy. This book lays out the fundamental drivers of the Japanese culture in a way that is accessible to the American reader. It allows one to understand the motives behind Japanese business etiquette. Reading this book will shine a light on a culture that stands in vast contract to the American way of doing business. It will help the reader to navigate the river of Japanese business practices by understanding what lies underneath the surface.

Japanese Ethics and Business

This is one of the best books I have read on Japanese Business and Ethics. The author gives an explanation on the character of the japanese. Explains the differences between doing business the japanese way and the western way.The author gives a history of the japanese and gives stories on how the japanese think and act. You will gain so much knowledge from this book about the japanese. I will recommend this book to anyone that is going to do business in Japan or with the japanese in their own country. A must read.

Effective Use of Stories

Not only is the author knowledgable about the topic, but I like the manner in which he makes his points through real life anacdotes. I use the same technique in my book: The Constant-Sum Approach to Business Success".

This is a must read book for people doing business in Japan.

Superficially, Japan and the US are quite similar: In their cities, there are tall modern buildings, well dressed people hurrying to appointments while talking on cellular phones as well as the hustle and bustle of any large Western city. These similarities will seduce nearly every American who seeks to do business in Japan into thinking that the business practices of the country will be the same as in the US. The truth is that the cultural differences are so vast and subtle that they are often beyond the comprehension of the majority Americans. In Japan, there is a high expectation of a certain standard of business etiquette and failure to achieve this standard could doom any hopes of doing business in that country. And, unfortunately, many Americans, unknowingly, are unable to avoid this pitfall. The Japanese language is rich with expressions that conceptualize certain feelings or attitudes that are literally very foreign to Westerners but are key to the Japanese way of seeing things. De Mente's explanations of these phrases and sayings are both useful vocabulary lessons as well as effective insights into the Japanese business mentality. When my friends ask me for advice on conducting business in Japan, I regularly refer them to this book for a quick heads-up on business etiquette and ethics prior to their visit. Without exception, everyone reported that the book gave them the additional perception and savvy that was especially helpful in understanding and dealing with their Japanese counterparts. In addition to giving basic insight on the how-to's of doing business in Japan, De Mente's book could a valuable primer for our diplomats and trade representatives who seek to improve relations with our important Asian neighbor. I have read many books on this topic and have found none to have the depth and the richness as this one. After reading this book, one will naturally seek additional information in De Mente's many other books on this subject. Even if you are able to afford a cultural consultant to dispense expensive advice you will find Japanese Etiquette and Ethics in Business to be a thoughtfully written handbook that gives much insight into the ways of doing business in that country.