China for Businesswomen

A Strategic Guide to Travel, Negotiating, and Cultural Differences not only explains Chinese culture, but also how to navigate Chinese government, business, and social issues that women in China face today.

Covering women's history and current status in China, this book gives a solid background for learning how to avoid social awkwardness, establishing your credibility, dealing with gender issues, and how to make sure your authority is recognized.

This book covers how to prepare and what to expect on your trip to China, mainly focusing on obstacles women face while doing business in China and how to overcome and avoid them. The author also includes first hand accounts, advice, and warnings from numerous sources on doing business with China that are essential for surviving in doing business with the Chinese. This book is a valuable resource for women doing business with China.

Of course, when visiting a foreign country for business, it is important to learn about the culture of the place you're visiting, but in China's case, it is also crucial that one learns the socio-political environment as well. China is still run by the Chinese Communist Party

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Business Passport to Japan (Revised and Updated Edition)

Revised and updated new book, Business Passport to Japan, authored by Sue Shinomiya and Brian Szepkouski, is a crucial tool to bring when going to Japan on business, or working with the Japanese in the US, or in Japan. This handy, pocket-sized guidebook gives straightforward answers to complex cultural questions that satisfy both the beginner and the seasoned Japanophiles alike.

The book begins with a humorous yet informative quiz in general Japanese society, culture, politics, food, and history, proving just how much anyone going to Japan needs the guidance from this book.

Business Passport to Japan is organized in an easy to use format, beginning with: Practical Information, Japan Overview, Business In Japan, Communication in Action, Ten-Point Plan for Success, Trends in a Global Japan, Beyond Survival: Exploring Japan, and Useful Resources. In addition to being organized so that the reader begins by getting a general grasp of Japan, it then moves on to specific features vital to business with charming anecdotes and tips that assist the reader in understanding Japanese values that we, as Americans, typically find too foreign to comprehend.

This book covers three essential business topics in depth on Business in Japan, covering all those confusing rules of Japanese business etiquette, Communication in Action, giving American's the basics of Japanese communication to get excellent results, and the Ten-Point Plan For Success that gives readers the knowledge that will put them above their peers in successful dealings with Japan.

In addition to being an indispensable resource for successful dealings in Japan, it is also a pleasure to read while being concise yet packed with useful information.

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The Embedded Corporation

What is the best way to run a business corporation? What is the appropriate balance between shareholders, executives and employees? Are employees best thought of as short-term costs, or long-term assets? What impact is globalization having on distinctive national approaches to corporate organization and on the social responsibilities of employers? These are just a few of the questions Sanford M. Jacoby tries to tackle in his extensive and thorough research presented in The Embedded Corporation.

Despite globalization, the expectation that one universal system of corporate organization would rise to the top and become the standard hasn't taken place. American corporations tend to follow the lead of the shareholders, where Japanese corporations tend to look internally, and follow the lead of employees. In this book Jacoby looks beyond corporate realities into the culture and history of both the United States and Japan, finding grounds for certain corporate practices. Unlike some publications that feign legitimacy with a lot of theory, The Embedded Corporations conclusions are based in fact. Jacoby's research is clearly tracked and presented. We can see the how, what and why of corporate governance in the US and Japan.

Sanford M. Jacoby is the Howard Noble Professor of Management, Policy Studies, and History at the University of California, Los Angeles. His books include Modern Manors: Welfare Capitalism since the New Deal (Princeton) and Employing Bureaucracy: Managers, Unions, and the Transformation of the Workplace in the 20th Century (Erlbaum).

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Japan's Business Renaissance: How the World's Greatest Economy Revived, Renewed, and Reinvented Itself

Authors Mark B. Fuller and John C. Beck want to let you in on a little secret: Japan is not an economic black hole. On the contrary, Japanese business has been slowly recovering since the burst of the bubble economy in 1989, and is stronger now than it has been in 15 years. The authors call this the 'rebirth of Japan', and in this book they delve deep into Japan's ability to renew itself and the unique methods Japan employs.

Looking at the traditions of the samurai as a model for modern Japanese business isn't necessarily a new idea, but Fuller and Beck attack this idea with the same fervor as the bushido they describe. Surveys have been given to both Japanese and American businesspeople that help mold the points they are trying to prove, often with surprising results.

The authors state the argument clearly on page 31. 'To understand Japanese attitudes and behaviors around change, we need to understand Japanese history. To understand Japanese history it is important to understand the notion of bushido, or the Way of the Samurai.'

After giving a succinct and informative history of the samurai, the authors show us how this is important to how Japanese do business in the modern world (and the connection is vital). The samurai warriors were the constant in a country of consistent flux. From war to peace and war again, the samurai was a bastion of The Japanese Spirit. Even as the needs of the samurai changed and were reduced, most famously with the arrival of Admiral Perry in 1853, the samurai adapted and adjusted, even when becoming ronin, or masterless samurai, and offering services to the highest bidder. It's not only this warrior spirit, this Sprit of Japan, that enamors the modern Japanese businessman, but his flexibility and ability to change when needed, or strengthen up and attack when appropriate. This is what the authors call 'fit or fight' and is an essential part of the Japanese business model. This technique should be a part of any savvy businessperson's cache.

And this covers only part one of this very informative book.

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The Japanese Negotiator: Sublety and Strategy Beyond Western Logic

Even between two groups that share a culture and language, the negotiating table can be fraught with misunderstanding and difficulty -- so how much more perilous are the negotiations of Japanese and Americans, with all the cultural and linguistic differences that reign between them? In The Japanese Negotiator, consultant and educator Robert M. March explains negotiating tactics among the Japanese and provides case studies and practical advice that can give American executives and edge at the negotiating table. This book not only looks at the Dos but also the Don'ts of negotiating with the Japanese. He highlights the cultural differences that often give way to misunderstandings, provides insight into overcoming problems, and offers helpful examples from the history of negotiations with Japan. As must-have for anyone involved in business with Japan, or those who simply wish to more deeply understand the way Japanese think and act as a people.

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Saying Yes to Japan: How Outsiders are Reviving a Trillion Dollar Services Market

This timely and informative book blows a breath of fresh air into the dwindling Japanese business-related genre. Like many of its predecessors Clark and Kay recount horror story after horror story of backward and bizarre business tactics employed in Japan. Their focus is on the seemingly superior service industry, but anyone who knows more than a travel guide's fill of facts about Japan knows that polite customer focus of Japan's service industry is sometimes only skin deep. What separates Saying Yes to Japan from many of the books that precede it is that instead of leaving business-minded readers saddened and looking toward China or other parts of Asia for business opportunities, the writers give a long series of examples of how savvy foreign business people have turned around the seemingly unmovable Japanese service industry, and made a profit on top of it. The writers put a positive spin on what is often a frustrating system, and as a result readers get some ideas and inspiration in ways to fix some longstanding, yet inherently poor business and service practices. The myth of Japan's seemingly closed door to foreign upstarts is handily wiped away, and we see how, in many cases, it takes a non-Japanese eye to see that things can be changed in a positive way.

The book is cleverly divided into chapters focusing on certain sectors of the service industry, along with overview chapters. There are chapters on finance, real estate, information technology, and the health care industry. The book is written in a way that a serious business mogul can glean confidence and insights, and non-business savvy individual can still enjoy the David and Goliath stories. Often times the stories are not of Westerners initiating new and original ideas, but employing tried and true techniques and practices that simply aren't used in Japan.

An example of this is the recent introduction of the baiyaazu eijento or 'buyer's agent' in a real estate purchase by American businessman, Jeff Donaldson. He was able to score below offer prices for foreign businesses looking to open Tokyo offices by representing them exclusively. Japan has always depended on 'dual agency', where the agent negotiates for both the buyer and the seller. Since the agent knows the seller's maximum low price and the buyer's maximum high price, how can he work in the best interest of both parties? Dual agency is illegal in the U.S. as well as most of the rest of the world, but it reflects the Japanese government's practice of looking out for their financial supporters over the fair needs of the average consumer. Not only do the writers describe success stories, but also introduce issues still yet to be tackled. For example he compares the ratio of new to old home purchases in Japan and the U.S. Japanese purchase five new homes to every single used home bought. In the U.S. homebuyers purchase six used homes to every new home bought. The 'scrap and build' mentality is maintained because, as a Japanese real estate broker simply states, 'Politicians don't make money off the used home market,' (p75). Used home purchases are taxed 16 times more than new home purchases to keep government supporting homebuilders busy. The writers conclude that some of these costs could be off set by taking advantage of the almost untapped home restoration and remodeling market.

The fascinating stories don't end in the real estate market. The writers open one chapter with an almost unbelievable account of the day in the technology life of a government worker from Tokyo's affluent Meguro ward. Although government workers can afford the latest computers in their homes, they are often forced to share outdated computers in the office. Regulations force government offices to buy computers only from approved, therefore overpriced outlets, when faster and cheaper machines are available everywhere. On top of that the writers dispel the myth of Japan's image of a techno-wonderland. Although they lead the world in consumer electronics, everything from cell phones to intelligent rice cookers, the Japanese have a lot to learn about business intelligence technology. The writers go into detail about the history of hardware manufacturing and how the software and it's applications were largely considered afterthoughts. The writers discuss the habits that led to the resistance to packaged software (what most of the world uses), as opposed to specially programmed software. The explanation is concise and clear and easy for someone without a business degree to understand.

Just as studying Japanese language without studying Japanese culture is largely impossible, Clark and Kay also remind us that doing business with Japanese partners also means doing business with the Japanese culture. We must remember to look at the luggage we bring with us, as no one is free from culture, business or otherwise. The book is written by Americans, and they admit they can only try to write from a unbiased viewpoint. The authors also wisely remind us to enjoy the cultural exchange with Japan as we work with Japanese partners and consumers.

Overall I found this to be a very fast and interesting read. Anyone who has lived in Japan for short time will find himself giving knowing nods again and again as stories remind him of shortcomings he thought only he had noticed. Saying Yes to Japan tells us that we don't have to shake our heads and say, 'it's this way because it's Japan,' even (in some cases, especially) foreigners can do something to help initiate changes locally and nationally. Even those not looking to do business in Japan can revel in the success stories of the Davids who did beat Goliath.

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Working Effectively with Japanese Colleagues: Cross-cultural Training for American Employees of Japanese Companies

This workbook provides the reader with an in-depth look at Japanese business culture as well as tips on how to develop positive working relationships with Japanese colleagues.

• Understand Japanese culture in business
• Learn how to communicate effectively with Japanese colleagues
• Increase your efficiency and effectiveness working with Japanese colleagues

Most books about working with Japanese are about how to sell to them--not how to work effectively inside a Japanese company. This unique book directly addresses the needs of Americans employed by Japanese firms, explaining why Japanese behave the way they do and how to improve your communications and working relationships.

The conversational style and helpful illustrations and summaries make it easy to read. It is great for use as a tool in new employee orientation. Those who have recently joined a Japanese company as well as veterans will find this book invaluable.

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Doing Business with Japanese Men: A Woman's Handbook

Women face many hurdles in doing business within a society that remains highly partriarchal. Doing Business with Japanese Men is the first book that specifically addresses problems Western women face in their dealings with Japanese clients and colleagues. Using real-life anecdotes, cultural explanations, and extensive lists of tactics and dos and don'ts, this book tells women how to quickly establish their authority and work effectively. Included are practical discussions of preparation, socializing, and gift giving, as well as tips on wardrobe, make-up, special health and safety concerns, and fending off unwanted attention.

While the title may ward off half the population, this book also contains useful information that applies to both men and women, including communication and correspondence protocol, and the nature of Japanese business meetings.

Particularly useful for female executives, no matter how much experience a Westerner has had in the Far East, this book is bound to be useful.

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America and the Four Japans: Friend, Foe, Model, Mirror

Stone Bridge Press

'America and the Four Japan' is a great introduction to many aspects of Japanese business, social, religious and family life. The information isn't necessarily new, but it's all here. The book is brief and to the point and is a great guide for, as the author writes, the many Americans who have the ability to 'micro-analyze' Japan, but may not have all the basic background of the relationship between Japan and the US. Historians and scholars may have little need for this title, but it is a great resource for Americans who do business in Japan or with Japanese partners

Each of the four "Japans" listed in the title are explored as themes in the four main sections of the book. In the first section the theme of 'friendship' between Japan and the US is explored throughout history, from long before the Americas were even discovered by Europeans, to modern times. An interesting quote from former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa in 1993 is explored:

"It was the first time the U.S. and Japan were able to interact as adults. During World War II former President Bush was shot down [by Japan] and nearly drowned near Iwo Jima Island, but he always had a sense that the U.S. had made Japan into what it is today. President Clinton, on the other hand, has been watching Japanese television sets and riding in Japanese cars since he was born. [To President Clinton] Japan has always been an adult.' (p44)

In the same breath we can talk about Japan as our friend, we can also talk about Japan as our foe. Japan was a 'traditional' foe in World War II, but even after the war, even as a willing ally, the trade war with Japan has been real and a source of strife in recent decades. Schodt gives clear explanations of complex topics like trade deficits and currency imbalances in a way few would be confused by. There is also a balance in the reporting, neither Japan nor the U.S. is blameless for the problems they have, yet all perspectives, from the American president to the Japanese consumer are considered. The author also includes some interesting stories of Japan's internal foe in the often-corrupt politicians Japan calls its leaders.

The shortest section of this book is the Japan as Model section. Here Schodt explores America's love affair, and sometimes obsession with all things Japanese, from history to culture to technology. Schodt also goes on to describe how America's passions with Japan have changed and grown, from the honor of the samurai spirit to the business management models to crime prevention models (i.e. KOBAN). Of course some of these techniques can be imitated, but changing the cultural values that allow, say a person to place their shopping bags on the steps outside a ramen shop to stop in for a bite, are much more difficult to change. Ironically, as Japan's media becomes more and more flooded with Western images and the priorities of Japan's younger generations become diluted from the ways of their parents and grandparents these stories become more rare.

The final section is on Japan as a Mirror, and it explores the not often compared similarities between Japan and the US, as well as asking what we can learn about ourselves by looking at Japan. It is no secret that Japan borrows concepts from its neighbors and often improves on the original ideas. We also see in this section how this trend has continued in not only cars and consumer electronics, but also things like fuzzy logic and comic books. Why does Japan succeed when America falls? The answer isn't always across the Pacific, but can be found within our own borders and belief systems. As Japan and the US grow more similar it isn't only the benefits that are shared. Problems with increasing drug use among Japanese youth and the societal growing pains as gender roles are transforming are among the many new issues Japan is dealing with today.

The book closes with an interesting summary on America's dualistic view versus Japan's pantheistic view, or Judeo-Christian vs. Shinto/Buddhist thinking. We are also reminded Japan is only the first of many growing and strong nations that we will be working closer with that hold a completely different set of values from the US (and Japan, for that matter), places like China and India.

Overall America and the Four Japans is a terrific introduction to many aspects of Japanese understanding. Although it is slightly outdated (mentions of Walkmans and VCRs, brief talk on the internet), nothing in the book is incorrect, and the future the book predicts seems to be on target. Someone experienced with Japan and its ways might not come away with much new information, but someone with less experience with Japan or its people could come away with a wealth of new knowledge and answers.

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