Why are Japanese bosses' order so ambiguous?

"Why are Japanese bosses' order ambiguous?"

This is a question often asked by foreigners.

I don't know who will do it because the instructions don't have a subject. Or, there are many expressions such as "do your best", and they do not show it numerically.

There seem to be about two backgrounds to this.

Because the Japanese live in a high-context society

A high-context society is a society that has many implications in words. It is a characteristic of Japanese people that they can understand it without saying anything.

If you are Japanese, you can communicate with each other, but it is not surprising that it is difficult for foreigners.

In that case, it is important to ask the specific instructions. If your boss still doesn't answer clearly, you are free to respond to the instructions as you wish.

Because employment contracts are membership-based, not job-based.

In Japan, employment contracts are membership-based, not job-based like US or Europe companies.

Looking at employment contracts in Japan, there are cases where the job description is not described in detail and the place of work is not described.

It is rare in Japan to give employees a job description that clarifies their scope of duties.

Therefore, in the extreme, the Japanese way of working is to help each other and get the job done.

So how can I do?

Basically, it can be vague and confusing.　

However, to put it the other way around, to some extent, you are free to decide and act on the process of how to proceed.

Of course, you need to have some ability to read between lines, but if you are not Japanese, it is important to ask the members carefully every time.

Such a way of working is common in Japan, so your colleagues around will surely teach you.