JAPAN
Taxonomies
TAXONOMIES
Taxonomy is the practice and science of classification. Several scholars have developed taxonomies in the past to understand cultures and their differences. Some of the most important are presented in this guide to give you a clearer understanding of the Japanese culture and mentality. This guide focuses on the results of the taxonomies concerning the Japanese culture, but we’ve provided you with links for further information on each taxonomy, so you can learn more about it and compare the results of your own culture with it.
SCHWARTZ VALUE TYPES
The Japanese culture can be classified as self-transcendence and conservation.
Self-Transcendence
By the teachings and beliefs of Shinto and Buddhism, the Japanese have developed a sense of understanding, appreciation and protection for the welfare of all people and for nature. Japanese show appreciation and understanding to fellow countrymen and protect their culture which can be portrayed as a form of benevolence.
Conservation
With Confucianism teachings on the hierarchical structure of the Japanese society, the Japanese learnt to conform to the roles they are supposed to perform. In addition, Japanese conform strongly to the social norm and behaviors, and they restraint actions that are will upset or harm others and violate social expectations or norms. Likewise the Japanese also display the need for security. It is in the form of harmony, stability of society and relationships.
KLUCKHOHN AND STRODBECK'S VALUE ORIENTATIONS
Activity Orientation
Japanese are „being”-oriented. In Japan it is believed that one is defined by the relationships, not by development or materialism. Japanese do not value self- development, success and achievement as much as tradition, family background, age, rank and an individual’s birth.
Time Orientation
Japanese are focused on the past. In Japan traditions play a crucial role. They do value their history and ancestry. Traditional teaching and beliefs are preserved. In Japan the conceptions of reincarnations and karma are widely practiced, therefore, it is believed that what one has done in the past, will determine one’s future.
World Orientation
Japanese live in harmony with nature – they respect nature and theirs forces, they do not want to control or change it. What is more, in Japan people feel connected with a nature. For instance, seasonal festivals that celebrate the beauty of nature take place in Japan every year (such as cherry blossom-viewing, moon-viewing, snow-viewing festivals). Also Japanese believe that people are good and have a good heart.
Humans Relations Orientation
In Japan family is very important for the person. In the country individuals identify with only a few distinct groups, and the ties that bind people to these groups are so strong that group membership may endure for a lifetime. Saving face and maintaining interpersonal harmony are so highly valued. It is not a good idea to confront other persons directly and verbally express anger. The Japanese have very high anxiety about life because of the need to avoid embarrassment.
Self Orientation
Japan is a collectivist society where group needs and wants are placed above those of the individual and Japanese people tend to be other directed. Each person is expected to conform to societal ways and norms.
EDWARD HALL'S HIGH AND LOW CONTEXT CULTURES
Japan is considered one of the highest context cultures in the world. Japanese are indirect and use non-confrontational style of communication. They put emphasis on body language, tone of voice and facial expressions. In the country even the small gesture carries great meaning. traditions, rituals and values are important – they are the source of information on how to act and behave. Consequently, changes and the process of making decision in Japan is very slow.
GEERT HOFSTEDE'S DIMENSIONS
Power Distance
Japan’s power distance is high compared to most of the Western countries, but relatively low in contrast to most of the Asian countries with an intermediate score of 54 according to Hofstede. On the one hand owing to their traditions and customs, the Japanese always consider their hierarchical position in any context and act correspondingly. On the other hand, Japan also displays characteristics of low power distance; especially in the business context. For example each hierarchical layer must confirm decisions in companies separately before the top management finally confirms them, which shows that the superiors can’t decide on issues without support of their team.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Japan has really high uncertainty avoidance of 92 because of their need to prevent embarrassment, which can be observed in nearly every aspect of their life. As Japan is a high context culture, life is highly ritualized with a lot of well-ordered ceremonies and behaviors are situation-bound, which provides security for the Japanese. The Japanese language also reflects this mentality, because it is a really predictable language. Often the end of a sentence can already be predicted just by hearing the beginning of it and it is really impolite to end a phrase in a different way.
Masculinity
Japan belongs to the most masculine societies in the world with a score of 95, which is Japan’s highest score on the Hofstede dimensions. Gender roles in society are differentiated and it is difficult for women to be successful in the business world. Because of Japan’s collectivism the values competition, achievement and success, which are the main indicators for masculine cultures, are related to the behavior of groups instead of individuals.
Individualism
Japan has a score of 46 on the individualism dimension, according to Hofstede. Like Japan’s power distance, also its individualism is high compared to Asian standards and low compared to the scores of Western societies. On one side, Japanese have a group mentality, are loyal and take decisions by consensus. On the other side, Japanese can also be compartmentalized. Families are not as extended as in many other Asian countries and Japanese are more reserved, competitive and private than most other Asians.
Long Term Orientation
Japan is clearly long term oriented with a score of 88, according to Hofstede. The Japanese unique belief system called Shinto plays a really important role in the country and leads to the importance of virtues, while there is no official religion in the country to be maintained; so this doesn’t prevent progress. Also economically this orientation can be observed, as companies prioritize a growth of the market share, which increases their earnings in the long run, instead of focusing on quarterly profits. So companies are also long term oriented.