Blogs and Articles from Third Way Forum Membrs

・ Hierarchy exists everywhere in the world. We discussed difference between the typical Western hierarchy and the Japanese hierarchy as below.
　　▷ Hierarchy in the West: driven by responsibility, role-based, opinions taken as opinions, content delivered is more important than status, individuals and roles are separate
　　▷ Japanese hierarchy: driven by pride and entitlement, more psychological, opinions often taken personally, status of the person is more important than content, individuals are identified based on their roles

・ Probably the hierarchy type in Japan is not unique only in Japan. It is also common in several other countries which have semi-authoritarian social cultures.
・ In order to navigate the semi-authoritarian hierarchy in Japan, we have come up with 4 different approaches which we would like to explore further.
　　▷ Know the hierarchy: Know the power balance, know how to show respect based on age seniority/status seniority, and know the procedure & protocol
　　▷ Use the hierarchy: Use the effective mechanism of hierarchy for your purpose through Nemawashi and effective communication from top-down etc
　　▷ Dodge the hierarchy: Dodge any inappropriate, ineffective and illogical things coming on your way through the hierarchy. Learn how to push back firmly and respectfully.
　　▷ Blend? Replace? Overcome? the hierarchy: Create a better way to get things done by overcoming the hierarchy, such as info gathering through casual networking and informal sessions, promoting free idea flowing communications with online group chatting, free address desk, and no more title-calling before the sir name etc etc.