Hidden Differences: Doing Business with the Japanese [Paperback]

Edward T. Hall (Author), Mildred Reed Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 1990

An analysis and explanation of the unstated rules  of Japanese-American business relations. By  drawing Western readers into the world in which they  must function, the Halls simplify the process of  adapting Western ways to a new environment.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The authors believe that by better understanding Japanese culture, American business people will become more successful. By interviewing successful American and Japanese business people, the authors gathered information about cultural patterns such as use of space and time, information flow and communication processes, interpersonal relationships in the home and at work, business philosophy and management styles. Edward T. Hall, who analyzed American culture in The Silent Language , now has taken his analytical expertise and effectively applied it to the Japanese. Recommended for business practitioners and students. Grace Klinefelter, Ft. Lauderdale Coll. Lib., Fla.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

An analysis and explanation of the unstated rules of Japanese-American business relations. By drawing Western readers into the world in which they must function, the Halls simplify the process of adapting Western ways to a new environment.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (May 18, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385238843
• ISBN-13: 978-0385238847
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.4 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #327,303 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars OK For Beginners, Somewhat Dated and Naive, January 3, 2008

By 

wahzoh "wahzoh" (North Hollywood, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hidden Differences: Doing Business with the Japanese (Paperback)

This volume, first published in 1987 at the height of the Japanese economic "bubble", holds itelf out as a sort of primer for Western business people in how to relate to the Japanese in a business context. It covers some matters of pure etiquette, such as how to hand out a business card, and how not to commit faux pas of rank and status in a business meeting.

The authors seem to have simply taken their Japanese hosts' word for a lot of things, sometimes with comical results. For example, in the section dealing with business promotions, they say, "... in our interviews, we heard nothing about alcohol...abuse on the job, a problem that plagues many American industries." As though any participant in their Japanese sample would have volunteered this kind of embarassing information to a couple of gaijin (foreigners). It's pretty widely known that the Japanese have a very high rate of alcoholism - the authors didn't even try to figure out how that fact magically avoids showing up in the workplaces of their interview subjects - they just printed what they were told.

Anyway, this book is an easy read, and does cover some important business organizational and etiquette issues. It doesn't particularly try to "scratch the surface" of Japanese appearances.