Can foreign executives take on a special role in Japanese business life?
In Japanese business life hierarchy and seniority play an important role. This might not be entirely different from some Western cultures, however, the difference is that those hierarchal barriers are difficult to bridge in Japan. Hardly anyone would question a superior – especially in front of other staff. So, if a company president makes an announcement, nobody actually dares to challenge him. This might present an opportunity for non-Japanese executives who can overcome that barrier and involve staff across the hierarchal divide. Non-Japanese are not bound by the etiquette and can encourage their Japanese colleagues to participate in open discussions and involve them more directly.
