AboutDonald Nordeng Expertise I run a site dedicated to providing information on doing business in Japan. We provide consulting services for those who are exporting to Japan or who want to open an office in Japan.
Experience I have lived in Japan for 20 years, and have been in business for 19 years. I am president of Ecocert-QAI Japan Ltd., a Japanese company that is wholly owned by foreign interests. I also run a consulting business called JapanExperts. We provide management training and consulting services.
Expert: Donald Nordeng Date: 5/21/2008 Subject: nonverbal communication
Question
Hello
I'm doing a research on the impact of nonverbal communication between different cultures
So far it's been hard for me to find a person/book that provides a real life example on how nonverbal communication can impact a business outcome, especially between different cultures
Could you give me some examples on the effects of nonverbal communication between foreign cultures?
I would also be happy if you could provide me a website that specializes on nonverbal communication between different cultures
Waiting for your reply
John
Answer Dear John,
I have lived in Japan for over 20 years, here is an example.
An American, from the U.S., comes to Japan. Great guy, friendly. Walks up to a Japanese man, shakes his hand vigorously. The Japanese man, who in his mind still has not been introduced because he hasn't exchanged name-cards, smiles. After they shake hands, the Japanese man holds his card in two hands and hands it with his name showing in English to the American.
The American takes the card in one hand and pulls out his wallet. In his wallet he has his cards. He pulls out a card and hands it to the Japanese man, casually.
Now if the Japanese man had gone to the U.S. and just before he shook hands, licked the palm and got it really nice and wet and then shook hands, could reproduce the feeling the Japanese man felt when he got the American's business card. I know, because I feel that way now when I see it happen.
