Many years ago my dad brought back a book, The Japanese Salaryman, from a business trip to Japan. Over the past ten days this book popped back into my mind. The book attempts to explain the unique characteristics of Japanese workers, as opposed to their counterparts in the US and Europe. To be sure, there is something special about how Japanese business and business professionals operate. As I've come to find out, Israel has its own special variety of workers too.
In many ways the common characteristics of Israeli workers couldn't be more diametrically opposed to those of the Japanese model. Israel is a nation driven by individualism. More importantly, the average Israeli is bereft of pretense - fully disinterested in surface trappings. Suits and ties are no where to be found. In Israel, business people move quickly, don't shy away from giving their opinions, and always seem to have an opinion to share.
As an American, it has been a bit of a challenge to adjust to Israel's unique business culture. Nevertheless, I'm starting to embrace the frankness. There's actually something comforting about an operating environment where people are willing to constantly challenge existing notions. It means that though oftentimes there is contention, the final results are better off as a result. As far as I know, no one has yet written (or is writing) a book on the Israeli salaryman. If they ever do though, I'll be the first in line to pick it up.
The views expressed on this site are those of Daniel Branscome, hereafter referred to as "the owner", and do not necessarily represent those of the University of Maryland, the Robert H. Smith School of Business, or the Technion. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this blog or found by following any link on this blog. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.
In many ways the common characteristics of Israeli workers couldn't be more diametrically opposed to those of the Japanese model. Israel is a nation driven by individualism. More importantly, the average Israeli is bereft of pretense - fully disinterested in surface trappings. Suits and ties are no where to be found. In Israel, business people move quickly, don't shy away from giving their opinions, and always seem to have an opinion to share.
