Interpretation of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in the Japanese Workplace

Abstract

This study explores the views of Indonesian workers on the communication aspect in Japanese workplace. In particular, this study aims to interpret the employees' communication patterns in the company which involve procedures like greeting, receiving instructions, making appointments, using polite languages, giving signals, etc. It also examines the differences and similarities between Japanese and Indonesian communication patterns in the workplace. Research participants in this study were thirteen Indonesian workers which data collected through interviews. The results showed that most of the informants perceived the Japanese work culture as a reflection of disciplined behaviour, detail orientation, collective values, loyalty, and politeness. The aspects of Japanese work patterns that are common to Indonesian culture are politeness, collective values, and loyalty. On the other hand, there are quite large differences between the work patterns of Japan and Indonesia, namely discipline and detail orientation. The quite striking result of this study is that almost all participants stated that in all aspects of communication patterns and work rules in Indonesia is much looser than Japanese. As a follow-up to this research, it is necessary to examine and explore how the strategies of Indonesian workers adjust to the Japanese communication culture.