Differences between doing Business in Hong Kong and Japan for Women

Differences between doing Business in Hong Kong and Japan for Women

Japan is a country that has preserved its traditions and has shunned off cultural influence from other parts of the planet. Today, little has changed in terms of how Japanese view working class women. On the other hand, Hong Kong has had many years under colonization of the UK. During colonial period, western business values were installed in the country. Therefore, women doing business in Hong Kong are viewed as equals to men as long as they prove their worth. It is because of this reason that most foreign investors including women flock to Hong Kong as opposed to Japan.

                        Japanese culture demands show of respect and bowing to manly authority. This makes it harder for women to be easily integrated into the country's business environment. Further, business cultural values demand that women follow a given dress code. These limitations and tight business control by the government restricts the societal perspective of westernized business women. Hong Kong’s business environment is liberal. It is open to people from all over the world irrespective of their cultural background or gender.

To overcome gender gap issues in Asia, women are required to show humility and respect for fellow business men and women. Moreover, they should be ready to adapt to a strict and demanding work protocol that can  be achieved via forging strong relationships with stakeholders. Exceeding expectations is an added advantage that earns respect to Asian women in business.

 Barriers to Business Entry in India

            India has several barriers to business entry tough its government has made significant progress to eliminate.  A major barrier to business in India is its cultural difference with the international community. For thousands of years, Hinduism has shaped India’s business culture and etiquette thus complicating business entry efforts by the outside world. Non –Indians should understand the hierarchical mindset and the established complex business communication network to succeed. This knowledge is vital business survival and easy acceptance in the country.

Establishing Business Relationships in Japan

Business relationships are of critical importance in Japan. It is impossible for a business to survive a highly regulated business setting if the owner does not belong to a specified group.  For centuries, Japanese businessmen conduct their activities within a Keiretsu. To build a relationship and be accepted in a Keiretsu, a willing business person has to convince a member of his worthiness. Then, Keiretsu member would introduce the new member to the rest of the group. Acceptance is based on a trust in the introducer. Japanese relationship is damaged by disrespect or disloyalty to the group’s virtues.  If other members prove allegations to be true, they banish a culprit from the group with immediate effect.

Communication in China and the West

The Cultural difference between the West and China influences the communication pattern. In the West, people are inclined to direct communication for objectives to be met in time.   Contrastingly, Chinese are concerned with guarding reputation. Therefore, every word is cross-checked before it can be delivered. Most Chinese use indirect communication means  to divert public attention hence scrutiny, for instance, the current Communist Party's crackdown on corrupt officials.

 Mishaps in Chinese communication pattern and careful approach are attributable to societal hierarchy, family ties, and personal status.  Awareness of communication difference between China and the West is fundamental in making a sound decision with due consideration of business ethics. 

Major Business Barrier in Japan

            Japan's history and its geographical position in the global map offer perfect conditions for flourishing in structural and institutional barriers. There is no other country where a business relationship is tightened between suppliers, buyers, regulators and distributors as in Japan. As such, newcomers are mostly disadvantaged by this business structure especially if they have no idea on the need for relationship development.

 Japanese institutional barrier is magnified by predictability, continuity and value stability. The tendency quashes western companies' economic rationality in the short run. Quick adoption and intention to join relationship groups offers a solution that can break the barriers for new market entrants.