In Japanese business organizations, subordinates do not pass along bad news to their superiors. This lack of internal communications can be attributed to:
A) the inherently shy nature of the Japanese.
B) the Japanese emphasis on hierarchical relationships.
C) the practice of omerta or solemn oath-taking.
D) the insistence on solving problems at the point of origin and not escalating them.
E) Guanxi, the Japanese practice of personal connections.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Japanese emphasis on hierarchical relationships seems to hamper internal communications; subordinates don't pass along bad news, for example. This reticence seems to have been a major problem during the Toyota product quality issues, when the secretive corporate culture in Japan clashed with the U.S. requirements that auto makers disclose safety threats.

In Japanese Business Organizations, Subordinates Do Not Pass Along Bad