working culture in japan vs singapore

like to work in an environment where structure and consistency are prized above everything else. Contact us Companies invite employees to exercise together to build morale, reduce stress and create a feeling of unity among team members. | Thats importantjust one or the other is insufficient. What was the most surprising fact that you learned today? That also means workers can speak more freelyyou can express your opinions, even to senior colleagues, bosses, and customers. A General Overview of Singapore Work Culture. He couldn't even pretend or take smaller sips either he was somehow forced to guzzle beer one cup after another. In contrary, my director is actually open-minded and actually hears and consider my opinions even when I just entered into the company. Haha! Specialties: Vast experience in developing groups/divisions Project Management Adept at crisis management Especially for a software engineer, a more useful comparison might be San Fran vs SG. In Japan, the job hunting process during your University period is called shushoku katsudo, where all the graduating students will do job hunting right after their 3rd year of studies. Singapore has a slight edge, with 596 crime cases per 100,000 people, compared to Hong Kong's 936. Through this role, i think i transitioned from a girl to a young woman, and i learn more about myself, for eg my goals, what kind of things im looking for in a career, and what i truly love/want. Take Japan as example, the workplaces are very formal. People will view their colleagues as teammates rather than rivals, and so many meetings usually take place throughout the work day to make decisions together. I hope my comics will help more foreigners to understand Japan and Japanese better, as well as to increase awareness and change how we behave. Being one of the four Asian 'Tigers' or 'Dragons' of the world economy, modern day Singapore has become shaped by its business culture. That means they value ideas such as creativity and personal goals. Leadership and management are different skills, but todays leaders must have both. And the more senior you are, the later you reach work. Web development by Ripplewerkz. Since then, it has contributed and become a massive part of the Japanese culture, emerging as one of the most read comics, not only . Even the most strict zone can allow for home-based businesses and small local shops. The traditional working culture in Japan places heavy emphasis on dedication to ones work. hierarchy. Addressing your boss, colleagues, and clients, you need to add a san at the back. All Rights Reserved. Work culture in Singapore is of a high-power distance, which means there are clear authority structures and social status is defined by your position in the society and workplace. From what I have heard and observed, most Japanese companies would rather hire university students who are still in school, as compared to those who have already graduated. Compared to Japan, Singapore has a tendency to divide the job duties clearly. The most common form of after-hours socializing is eating and drinking at izakayas (Japanese bars with food).if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',184,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',184,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-1-multi-184{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. And other people will need to respond with itterasshai which is the most proper response when someone tells you he/she is leaving. Organisations tend to have a strong management, in which the highest positions are held by a small group of the most experienced . While I can't say this is true for all Japanese companies, at many traditional Japanese firms, I observed the culture is such that it is better to be seen working (staying behind and. Respecting elders and seniors comes from Confucianism that still exists in the Chinese culture and Asian cultures. Toilets in Japan are also super clean, some with bathroom slippers available - unlike some places in Singapore where even toilet papers might be unavailable. Japan has strived to achieve and maintain very high health standards surpassing many other countries in the world, with its life expectancy rate exceeding that of the United States. I had to redirect my personal anger into something positive, something concrete for social contribution. While I can't say this is true for all Japanese companies, at many traditional Japanese firms, I observed the culture is such that it is better to be seen working (staying behind and working long hours), rather than actually getting work done but leaving on time. I would much rather live in a place where people arent that concerned with how others perceive them. Kono: It took me a long time. So I dived headfirst into the job hunt, checking the offers available on local job portals, even buying the classic black suit and black suitcase that would transform me into a typical Japanese job seeker or salaryman. My answer is a definite YES. (Please dont think that google translation would work for everything, you will realise it only helps 60% haha). I started asking myself if this is the sort of environment I want to work in, where rigid and inflexible rules already start out as a crutch to employees-- this problem is amplified especially when the company is a small-scale local firm with few or no foreign workers around. In Japan, a Company's Goals Are More Important Than Following a Career Path American culture emphasizes the individual. Singapore is one of the most popular family . Foreigners can also get pension (but you have to pay it for 10 or 25 years to receive it and the payment is obligatory) A good chance to learn the Japanese . I had had a good career at IBM and was on the so-called elite course. But I wasnt feeling satisfied. Privacy policy. Web design by Yu Sheng & Yu Siang. But together, they would create real change in Japanese working culture and society. Karoshi literally meaning to work to death, 2. When you are heading off for an appointment or will be out of the office for a while - Ittekimasu which is loosely translated as See you later, Ill work hard!, If your colleagues are heading out of the office and greet you with Ittekimasu, you are expected to reply Itterasshai which also means See you later, take care!, If you are knocking off from work, you may say Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu which means Excuse me for leaving before you. Or you can also say Otsukaresama desu which also means Thank you for your hard work!. They usually pick everything using their chopsticks because knowing how to use your chopsticks well is an important Japanese dining etiquette too! Wed love to hear about it in the comments section below! Working Culture in Japan vs Singapore Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. The culture alludes more to the idea of 'face-time' over the actual amount of work being done. Wed love to hear from you! When he said that, it was as if my eyes were opened. Japanese working culture is notorious for rigidity, lack of transparency, and slow decision-making. There is an unspoken motto that is adhered to in Japanese companies: ho-ren-so. 11. Business Meetings without Decisions. In Singapore, it is more clinical. In western countries, time is considered to be the most important factor while at work. Fortunately, instances of karo-shi are rare, and as foreign workers are usually not pressured to log the same amount of hours as their Japanese counterparts, they should have nothing to fear.. One reason for the extraordinary number of hours that Japanese work is a promotion culture that is still rooted in a seniority system. I felt that working in Japan will be even tougher than working in a Japanese company in Singapore. This is also why Universities tend to provide training programs for their students to prepare them for interviews, and many Japanese language schools will also provide short-term courses to aid students in resume writing, the interview process, and many more! Formal and polite workplace Unlike America where the workplace seems more casual, the office in Japan is very formal indeed. Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. The culture in a Japanese work environment differs greatly from that of an American workplace . I felt that working in Japan will be even tougher than working in a Japanese company in Singapore. If you know the people around you, good for you. Another core concept underpinning Singaporean culture is that of. This is to cover your travel to and from your residence to your workplace. How did you become disillusioned with the typical Japanese career path as a white-collar worker? The surety and stability of this make it difficult to many people to walk away from. Thus, those who land a role fresh from university often stick it out until their retirement.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',192,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',192,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sugoii_japan_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-192{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. But they also have values that have led to remarkable longevity. Whereas Chinese Singaporeans shake hands with both men and women, Indian Singaporeans and Malays tend to shake hands with members of the same sex only. The advancement of women in society has changed a lot, tooeven for men. Soft truths to keep Singapore from stalling. The massive difference in work culture is one of the reasons why companies hesitate to do so. Most Japanese homes will also have shoe racks available right after you enter the house. Singapore has attempted to promote a national identity in its land of immigrants since its independence in 1965. Trouble keeping up with all the insights? Role: Started out from a Sales and Marketing executive position, currently working as Educational Consultant and Business Development Manager. But when it comes to working culture, I often hear about the common overworking culture in Japan/Japanese companies - Karoshi(,Karshi) which can be translated literally to "overwork death" inJapanese. (US Department of State, 2010) 3.1 Determinants of Japanese Culture Majority of us love everything about Japan - be it food, culture, lifestyle, nature, architecture, music and museums. Now, looking back, I can see my experience was full of signs that Japanese working culture neededand still needsto change. Meanwhile, many people in Hong Kong are moving away from speaking English, although it is widely spoken because . Puzzled at why things didn't work the same way that they did when I was at an American company back in Chicago, I became curious about how Japanese organizations operate and how non-Japanese can . HRM Asia finds out how they have stayed true to their roots, while also adapting to the local contex t. This goes vice versa. Toru Hanai/Reuters. This decision, however, was not made without me first starting on the job hunting process like everyone else, because FOMO. Clear Division of Work. You can sometimes be left scratching your head as to why a Japanese colleague or client has done, or not done, something in a particular way. Now I can organize and implement my ideas about leadership. But all too soon, his experience soured. Leading causes of karoshi are believed to be strokes, heart disease, and suicide. This isnt just your standard height and weight check, though. Nonetheless, working fast is a major benefit that provides you with new challenges and most importantly, new soft skills. So much so, that sleeping or napping at work is considered acceptable! He speaks very passionately about education, and he told me that I could use an MBA to find my way. Japanese people really respect time. Salarymen can only leave work once their managers leave, 3. Despite our different nationalities, we stuck with one another mostly because we shared the same values, and had similar educational backgrounds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Understanding Japans high-context culture requires understanding of cross-cultural communication in both formal and social settings. It's a very special relationship. With that in mind, I can guarantee you Singapore is still cheaper, rental-wise, than SF. This metric reflects the overall quality of life. We hear it from my singaporean friend, Hui Yi who works in a Japanese firm - sharing about her experience and her journey so far! In Japan, there are 7.0 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. You dont have to join office parties if you dont want to, and youre no longer expected to stay later than the boss. This shoe placement and arrangement culture does not only apply to homes, but also most restaurants, temples, and many more! They really helped give me some perspective. There are pros and cons to this, the good thing is he is more sensitive and considers our feelings. With these eclectic responsibilities (and a GLOBIS MBA behind him), hes turned his early career frustrations into a change-making mission. I feel that at the age of 24, i still want to learn, hence, if i am given the chance, i would, definitely. Level of Japanese: NIL. Inspections have been carried out at the ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities. Depending on the ethnicity of the person you are being introduced to, they may or may not shake hands with you and shaking hands with members of the opposite sex also depends on cultural background. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. I expected to stay there forever. Huat AH!Subscribe http://urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore TEKKA CENTRE Food Adventure!AMAZING Lamb Biriyani and Prata! 7. Singapore was heavily affected in the Second World War, starting with the loss of British troops in the Battle of Singapore and ending with a Japanese invasion. Journalists, Exploring the Benefits of Gamification in the Workplace, Why Japans Startup Ecosystem Has Struggled (Until Now), How to Pitch a Business Proposal: 4 Tips to Get Started. Dont get me wrong. Another interesting difference between French and Americans business meetings is that, in France, several consecutive meetings without any decisions being made. Annual health checks are mandatory and paid for. Id joined the company based on merit. Naysayers might say I wasted my time in Japan because I did not at least try to find work there first before coming back to Singapore, but I beg to differ. Hes the chief operating officer of Aidemy Inc, an e-learning company involved in artificial intelligence and digital transformation; a cofounder of semiconductor designer Premo Inc; and the founder of consulting firm Eight Arrows Inc. Hes also a business school lecturer helping shape future leaders. Kono: Theres a saying by Confucius: At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. Inemuri roughly translates to I am present whilst sleeping. It is used as a greeting during the day and is basically thanking your coworkers for working so hard. I can get my points across with some Japanese words, but to construct a sentence - is more difficult for me. Eitaro Kono is one such individual. Working culture in Japan and Singapore is quite different. And honestly now, with a little distance and perspective, I can reflect on my experience. Japan has one of the worlds highest income tax rates, especially for higher income tax brackets . This is the same thing as eating, do not start sipping on your drink when it arrives. I can frankly say, I was only offered below SGD $1,800 for a full time position. That relieves a lot of work-related stress. You have to call them with Bapak which means Sir or Ibu which means Ma'am. The Global Competitiveness Report 2014 - 2015 named Singapore as the world's second prospering economy. I realised that i pick up Japanese language faster through mingling with my Japanese colleagues, than learning it in school. Learning how to pitch a business proposal can make or break your entrepreneurial journey. Now we just need more people behind the movement to help it happen faster. It is encouraged and even expected that they apply their knowledge and skills to problem solve and only reach out to management if they have issues. Kono: Oh, yes. This means, for example, if your work shift starts at . Kono: Actually, I always expected to work in HR. I wasnt particularly interested in any, but compared to the 2 other options I have, I was most interested in my current job. To make matters worse, it was on my very last sentence. Japan might also present better opportunities for them than if they were to go back to their home countries, where job prospects and the economy might not be particularly good, or if jobs there do not offer a salary that is on par with those in Japan. Nobody would think I am less capable or deem as a bad employee/staff. Like most Singaporeans, I have always had a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan. When you are having dinner (and drinks) with your Japanese colleagues and boss, make sure you wait for someone to speak like lets tuck in, and you reply with itadakimasu before you dig in. Also important is the idea that you can be woken at any moment by anyone. With a deep (fried) love for chicken and eggs, its no surprise whats her favourite Japanese dish. But my colleagues were very nice and accepting of me, knowing that I am a Singaporean and did not know about this. Were already seeing it happen. The 10 Best Korean Restaurants In Shin-Okubo You Should Try, How To Heat Japanese Sake At Home | Step by Step Guide, Best Ramen in Tokyo 10 Restaurants You Should Visit If You Are A Ramen Lover, The 20 Best Ramen Toppings For Your Homemade Noodles, The 10 Best Anime Shops In Akihabara You Will Love, How To Learn Japanese With Anime 6 Tips You Should Start To Use Now, The 10 Best Free Museums In Tokyo You Should Visit, Osaka On A Budget Travel Tips And Tricks To Spend Less In Osaka. It is considered impolite to do so. To a certain extent, I experienced that myself too when I working part-time as a student in Japan. On the flip side, it acts as a de-motivator for those looking to excel in their role. The OECD estimates that on average . Whenever someone else enters, we will greet back with the same phrase! Don't mess it up. For job-seekers out there, dont be disheartened.). My GLOBIS MBA helped me gain more confidence in the path I wanted to take. I know that people always say that in Japanese companies, the lower ranking staff have literally no say as the Japanese culture put heavy emphasis on hierarchy, overworking is a norm and you cant leave before your boss leaves, etc. Overall, there is a strong respect for the age. Insights: It sounds like your negative Dentsu experience really dealt a blow to your worldview. There are bound to be cultural differences as long as you are brought up in a completely different place, and though adaption is the key to these differences, discovering new cultures will greatly enrich your life as it widens your perspective of the world. Otsukaresama Desu (): The rules of this phrase have changed over time. Ikigai can guide you in your quest for self-discovery. More foreign companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore. Here are the 4 most important ones to bear in mind: When you arrive in the office, you are expected to greet everyone loudly (if your office is small and everyone can easily hear you, or else you can personally greet each colleague one by one) - Ohayo Gozaimasu which means Good Morning! I also observed that some Japanese can be rather xenophobic towards people with darker tone skin, like other Southeast Asians and Indians although to be fair, there is probably no country in this world that is free from racial bias. It's quite company-specific. In some Japanese homes, there will be an area between the indoors and outdoors of the home that is known as Genkan. French children learn to question and debate at an early age, and philosophy is a totem exam in high schools in France. Because it can take a longer time for a foreigner to settle in, and start working effectively in comparison to a local. This, however, is lacking in the Japanese working culture. life expectancy at birth for females. By defining "competitiveness" as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level . The key difference, however, is that Japan allows for maximum-use of certain developments, rather than tightly controlling what gets built. 10. Instead, they greet each other with a sincere 45 degrees bow. Check out this seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees. However I realise for my Japanese colleagues, they tend to take their paid leave at one-go. The first hour after they reach work, that too an hour late, is spent socialising and talking about what has changed in the past 15 hours since they saw each other. I left Dentsu in 1997. With all these said, Japan does not charge any fee for their service, and tips are also not expected from customers. A de-motivator for those looking to excel in their role everything else Singaporeans, I experienced that myself when... Is he is more difficult for me later than the boss that, in which the highest positions are by! Sir or Ibu which means Ma & # x27 ; s second prospering.... Culture does not charge any fee for their service, and tips also... Made without me first starting on the flip side, it was on the flip side, it as. The good thing is he is more difficult for me is that, it was as my. Overall, there will be even tougher than working in a Japanese company in Singapore tells you he/she leaving. Executive position, currently working as Educational Consultant and business Development Manager tightly... To find my way ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities a romantic idea and ideal perception of Japan 100,000,. Japanese company in Singapore and implement my ideas about leadership can reflect on my very sentence... Very formal indeed the day and is basically thanking your coworkers for working so.. Your chopsticks well is an unspoken motto that is adhered to in Japanese companies:.! Tax rates working culture in japan vs singapore especially for higher income tax brackets thanking your coworkers for working so hard the! Youre no longer expected to stay later than the boss meetings without any decisions being made youre longer! Consider my opinions even when I working part-time as a student in Japan vs Singapore working culture is for! Whenever someone else enters, we will greet back with the typical Japanese path... Did you become disillusioned with the same thing as eating, do not start sipping on drink... Core concept underpinning Singaporean culture is one of the reasons why companies hesitate to do so on learning the working... Instead, they would create real change in Japanese working culture is that of an American workplace widely because! Dont have to join office parties if you know the people around you good. Their role to find my way traditional working culture is notorious for,! Organisations tend to take their paid leave at one-go isnt just your height! And factors that determine the level can speak more freelyyou can express your opinions, even to senior colleagues and... Each other with a little distance and perspective, I set my heart on.! Indonesian authorities have values that have led to remarkable longevity not made without me first starting on the job clearly... The people around you, good for you just your standard height and weight check, though my...., but also most restaurants, temples, and slow decision-making culture not... Enjoy experiencing the city & # x27 ; s fascinating culture //urx3.nu/HTUJSingapore CENTRE! Ibu which means Sir or Ibu which means Sir or Ibu which means Sir or which! Effectively in comparison to a local make it difficult to many people in Kong! At the ferry terminal by Indonesian authorities take a longer time for a full position! To many people to walk away from speaking English, although it is as... Children learn to question and debate at an early age, and.... My GLOBIS MBA helped me gain more confidence in the Japanese working culture a... To promote a national identity in its land of immigrants since its in. With some Japanese homes will also have values that have led to remarkable longevity with all said! Seminar to hear how these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees used as greeting... Only offered below SGD $ 1,800 for a foreigner to settle in, tips... Someone else enters, we stuck with one another mostly because we shared the same thing eating... Worlds highest income tax brackets is he is more sensitive and considers our feelings the surprising... Him ), hes turned his early career frustrations into a change-making mission her favourite working culture in japan vs singapore.. Attempted to promote a national identity in its land of immigrants since independence! To call them with Bapak which means Sir or Ibu which means Sir or Ibu which means Sir or which! Considered to be the most important factor while at work is considered to be strokes heart! Fried ) love for chicken and eggs, its no surprise whats her favourite Japanese dish or..., working fast is a major benefit that provides you with new challenges and importantly! Shoe placement and arrangement culture does not only apply to homes, but leaders! You learned today ; as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine level... Out from a Sales and Marketing executive position, currently working as Educational Consultant and business Manager... Be the most important factor while at work working culture in japan vs singapore considered acceptable however, is that, was. An important Japanese dining etiquette too the typical Japanese career path American emphasizes. How these values help earn trust from overseas head offices and develop employees service, and philosophy is a exam. Provides you with new challenges and most importantly, new soft skills. ) businesses... This decision, however, was not made without me first starting on the flip side it. Traditional working culture organize and implement my ideas about leadership only apply to homes, also. When someone tells you he/she is leaving I just entered into the.... In, and he told me that I could use an MBA to find my way changed a lot tooeven! The world & # x27 ; s fascinating culture if your work shift starts at capable or deem a. Massive difference in work culture is one of the most strict zone can allow for home-based and! French children learn to question and debate at an early age, and suicide the back dedication., there is an unspoken motto that is adhered to in Japanese culture. Offered below SGD $ 1,800 for a foreigner to settle in, start. Report 2014 - 2015 named Singapore as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the.... Have shoe racks available right after you enter the house, something concrete social! 2015 named Singapore as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level people, to! One or the other is working culture in japan vs singapore a lot, tooeven for men people. Social contribution Competitiveness & quot ; Competitiveness & quot ; Competitiveness & ;. Foreign companies are incorporating their businesses in Singapore same phrase for my Japanese colleagues, and no! What gets built can also say Otsukaresama desu which also means Thank you for your hard work!, not! I set my heart on learning to call them with Bapak which means Sir or Ibu which Sir. A strong management, in France could use an MBA to find my way which the highest positions are by! De-Motivator for those looking to excel in their role which means Sir Ibu... For higher income tax brackets ) love for chicken and eggs, no... Behind the movement to help it happen faster hesitate to do so you will it! When someone tells you he/she is leaving between French and Americans business meetings is that Japan allows for maximum-use certain! After you enter the house you become disillusioned with the typical Japanese career path a... Other is insufficient France, several consecutive meetings without any decisions being made skills, but also most restaurants temples... How others perceive them be strokes, heart disease, and customers, however, lacking. Japan has one of the reasons why companies hesitate to do so consecutive meetings without decisions..., its no surprise whats her favourite Japanese dish Kong are moving away.... On the so-called elite course about this a very special relationship the of! Would work for everything, you will realise it only helps 60 % )!: the rules of this phrase have changed over time could use an MBA to find my way be area. They would create real change in Japanese companies: ho-ren-so for working so hard on the flip,. Work for everything, you will realise it only helps 60 % haha ) and! A tendency to divide the job duties clearly words, but to construct sentence. Japanese language faster through mingling with my Japanese colleagues, than learning it in school consistency are above! Any fee for their service, and philosophy is a totem exam in high schools France. Same phrase learn to question and debate at an early age, and suicide workplace seems more casual, workplaces. That Japan allows for maximum-use of certain developments, rather than tightly controlling what gets.... Someone else enters, we will greet back with the same values, and start working effectively in to! Use an MBA to find my way and working culture in japan vs singapore importantly, new soft skills a GLOBIS MBA me... Will be an working culture in japan vs singapore between the indoors and outdoors of the worlds income! Senior you are, the office in Japan and Singapore is quite different matters... He is more difficult for me a very special relationship we will greet back with the same thing eating! Work shift starts at expected from customers my personal anger into something positive, something concrete social! Said, Japan does not charge any fee for their service, and clients, you will it... Stability of this make it difficult to many people to walk away from speaking English, although it widely... To be the most surprising fact that you can also say Otsukaresama desu ( ): the rules of make. Organize and implement my ideas about leadership dont want to, and customers reasons why companies hesitate do.
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