Ethical Considerations of Japanese Business Culture

Abstract

Japanese business ethics, culture, and practice are unique to Japan, and there is limited academic literature in the West (Fukukawa, & Teramoto, 2009; Iwao,1997; Mizuo, 1998; Oh, & Koh, 2016; Todeschini, 2012; Tsalikis, & Seaton, 2008; von Staden, 2016; Wagner-Tsukamoto, 2008; Wang, 2010). The objective of this literature review is to research 1) traditional business ethics concepts and its development in Japan, 2) Japanese corporate citizenship behavior, and 3) Japanese managerial and employee business ethics to help American business leaders better understand Japanese business ethics culture. Current trends relative to business ethics in Japan are being discussed as needed throughout this paper. Finally, this paper draws a conclusion and practitioner implications. How Japanese business people perceive the U.S. business practices and approach are discussed as well.