A huge motivator for diligence in Japan is the risk of failure for not being diligent. This is a big generalization, but compared with many other countries, Japanese tend to be highly risk-averse; traditionally there have been few second chances in Japan. Word of failure travels quickly, the stigma lasts and it taints others associated with the person or organization.
If a student doesn’t get into a good university the chances of joining a good company are slim, and, therefore, high school students study intensely — diligently — to pass those extremely difficult exams because of the risk and consequences of failure to pass are high. Good universities are very hard to get into, but once in, students rarely fail, hence the risk of failure is low and they can use the time as a breather before the pressures of the corporate world.
Once in a corporation, a lack of diligence could be the cause of failure or at least embarrassment - not just for the individual, but for the whole group. The risk aversion and pressure of negative consequences to others for one’s lack of diligence are big motivators.
In addition to the corporate pressure, the focus on process, not just results, puts an emphasis on being diligent on the process. My two Japanese assistants are extremely diligent. In past decades I have had non-Japanese working for me who would cut corners in the process because it didn’t affect the result. They were task-oriented and achieved a lot, but their process could not be replicated because there were gaps in it. A process-orientation means diligently focusing on the process, lowering the risk. The process then can easily be duplicated and improved, but there is little flexibility and takes more time upfront.
One is not better than the other, they are different and there are pros and cons to both, but by having both styles in your skill-set, you can choose the best method for your overall need, but be careful not to short-change yourself and your company by focusing on short-term results with no means to improve and standardize the method!
Read this Diligence Culture Clash Case!
