HARMONY (WA)

Japanese maintain harmony in the inter-personal relationship and in the organization. Japanese often express ‘apology’ to others, a proper bowing apology (SHAZAI). Japan is “apology first” culture. It is deep rooted in the Japanese culture (YUZURU). This does not mean they have committed mistakes and offer apology. The apology is to maintain the smooth relationship in the workplace and in the society. If anything is less than the customer expectation, Japanese apologies. Even if a small mistake has happened, Japanese apologies first and focus to fix the problems. Although the mistake is by overlooking or they did not committee it, Japanese apologies and proceed to make the things right. Things will return to normal soon. They don’t spent energy and time on crucifying the person responsible for the mistake.

Harmony gives trust and warmth among the employees in the work place. In order to maintain the harmony, Japanese hide their true feeling and put the smiling face. Japanese does not say ‘no’ directly because the direct ‘no’ will disturb the harmony between the two persons.

In Indian culture, it is totally different. Indian work place is a competitive one. Always pushing a head is the only option to survey. To get the things done, do what ever it takes, but within the company policy. Never make mistakes and that is the end of it for you. The other people are waiting for this moment to crucify you. People will
exaggerate the problem, make you as a ‘bad boy’ and sometimes terminated your employment. Indians focus on people and not fixing the problems. Never express an ‘apology’ unless you have no other option. If you ‘apologies’ that means you are responsible for the problem and the consequences. Than the matters come to a grinding halt as guilty parties are singled out and punished.

Indians if committed mistakes, they don’t accept. First cover it up at any cost. Do all sort of background work to make it right. They will try to convince others that it is right. Then they will issue statements like ‘it is misunderstood’, ‘it is misquoted’ or ‘it is taken out of context’. The excellent way of getting out of the things is put the onus on the organization. ‘I did not do it, the organization did it’. I did not punish you, the company want this punishment’. Indians make it as if the ‘name of the organization’ is having two eyes, brain, ears, two hands, two legs etc and doing all those things.

If you want to be noticed or heard by the organization, make some ‘noise’. Make noise but don’t bite. If you are a silent performer you will be killed silently. You will not survive in the Indian companies. Make noise and project yourself as initiative taker. One important thing, you should know how to take the credit for yourself on others performance. This may sound shameless but never mind. ‘Make noise’ has one very important application in India. It is on the roads while driving. “Sound Horn” often on every possible turnings, cuttings, over taking, crossings etc.