This case is a study of cultural negotiation and understanding. It is important to understand the role of leadership because of the differences in the Japanese vertical-hierarchical leadership structure verses the western horizontal-egalitarian leadership structure (Lewicki, J.R., Saunders, D., & Barry, B., 2011). Kelly is a Canadian citizen and employed as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) by the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) in Soto, Japan. A conflict occurs between Kelly and her Japanese supervisor, Mr. Higashi over the allocation of contractual leave entitlements. This discussion will address the development of the conflict between the JET staff and the ALT. This is an exchange to foster a deeper understanding at the
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It is taking the time before the negotiation to build a relationship. Getting to know each other is essential before a negotiation can even be started. There is great respect and formality with job titles in Japanese culture. The use of humor shouldn’t be used until there is a well established relationship or friendship. Therefore the social aspects are the most important part of the Japanese style of communication. Indirect communication is one of the most vital attributes of the Japanese communication. Japanese are the most polite people with the use of language and helpfulness to strangers or people whom they meet for the first time. When they are introduced to somebody they use formal language until you become a friend. The Japanese culture relies on indirect communication compared to the Canadians (Lewicki et al., 2011). They will interpret ate the indefinite comments and gestures . Decision making and negotiations are slow to make a deal compared to Canadians and …show more content…
Japanese are not rude individuals. They consider it bad to leave the room while others are speaking. They are active listeners. It is important for them to listen fully to the other opinions so they can reach the conclusion. Mr. Higashi was listening closely and will not give his opinion or interrupt a conversation. Japanese are known to be silent while having a conversation or a discussion. Westerners don’t understand their nodding and saying “yes” briefly during conversation is important to the Japanese culture, Mr. Higashi was being polite, but not agreeing to Kelly’s questions. Japanese people avoid the expression ‘no’ at any cost. They prefer none negativity in conversation. They show very little emotion during conversation and non-verbal communication they are of utmost traditional. The Japanese culture does not always mean what they say. Kelly should not have discussed her questions in such a direct manner but in a more sensitive way with her words and body
It is taking the time before the negotiation to build a relationship. Getting to know each other is essential before a negotiation can even be started. There is great respect and formality with job titles in Japanese culture. The use of humor shouldn’t be used until there is a well established relationship or friendship. Therefore the social aspects are the most important part of the Japanese style of communication. Indirect communication is one of the most vital attributes of the Japanese communication. Japanese are the most polite people with the use of language and helpfulness to strangers or people whom they meet for the first time. When they are introduced to somebody they use formal language until you become a friend. The Japanese culture relies on indirect communication compared to the Canadians (Lewicki et al., 2011). They will interpret ate the indefinite comments and gestures . Decision making and negotiations are slow to make a deal compared to Canadians and …show more content…
Japanese are not rude individuals. They consider it bad to leave the room while others are speaking. They are active listeners. It is important for them to listen fully to the other opinions so they can reach the conclusion. Mr. Higashi was listening closely and will not give his opinion or interrupt a conversation. Japanese are known to be silent while having a conversation or a discussion. Westerners don’t understand their nodding and saying “yes” briefly during conversation is important to the Japanese culture, Mr. Higashi was being polite, but not agreeing to Kelly’s questions. Japanese people avoid the expression ‘no’ at any cost. They prefer none negativity in conversation. They show very little emotion during conversation and non-verbal communication they are of utmost traditional. The Japanese culture does not always mean what they say. Kelly should not have discussed her questions in such a direct manner but in a more sensitive way with her words and body