The Hierarchy System in Jobs in Japan

When working in a Japanese company, foreigners may find the hierarchy system in the workplace to be somewhat perplexing. This is because the structure is somewhat removed from the more cavalier attitude found in western companies. In a Japanese company, there is a clear hierarchy that entails a dominant subordinate relationship that is often based on the amount of time the subordinate has been in the position.

How does the hierarchy system actually work? It is simultaneously simple and complex….

The employer has a very strong duty to provide a safe and secure job for the loyal employee. When an employee follows in the direction of the company and stays with it for a long period of time, the employer will be rewarded with perks and benefits. However, there is no jumping ahead of the proverbial line. Tough negotiations for better deals or making a jump to a new company or career after several years are simply unheard of. And neither is being problematic in the workforce. Yes, there is a definitive hierarchical culture in the workplace where the top management roles all the way down to the entry level positions are clearly defined.

This is done for a number of reasons with the most common being that it aids in establishing clear stability in the workplace. When employees are undermining the workplace, the ability for the company to operate effectively can be devalued. In western companies, such attitudes are kept in check due to disciplinary action. In the Japanese hierarchical system, it often does not reach levels of disciplinary action since the positions people are placed in within the company prevent such problems from occurring. So, you could consider the hierarchy system one that prevents a number of problems that may arise.

No, this does not mean the work environment is one that is overly rigid or complacent. There is a dynamism in place that can be quite engaging and, often, it can be a tremendous opportunity for professional growth. This is seen in the senpai – kouhai relationship that plays a huge role in the corporate culture of Japan.

Many people are familiar with the concept of senpai – kouhai relationship from the Michael Crichton novel and film RISING SUN. For those that are not familiar with it, you could consider it a form of mentor and student relationship that exists in the office environment. Specifically, it is a seniority based relationship between someone in an authority position and someone who may be new to the work environment. Someone that is new will need a little (maybe a lot of) help succeeding in the office. A senpai can help such a person in many ways and, often, the relationship is more nurturing than some assume.

The hierarchical system in the Japanese workplace is not as rigid as some believe. In fact, it has many benefits to both employer and employee alike. A clearer understanding of how the system works would eliminate many of the unfortunate myths surrounding it.

The Hierarchy System in Jobs in Japan