Have you ever heard of "HORENSO（報連相ほうれんそう）"?
In Japanese business, "HORENSO" stands for three essential communication steps:
- HOukoku（報告 - Report）
- RENraku（連絡 - Inform）
- SOudan（相談 - Consult）
While HORENSO is fundamental in Japanese offices, it is often a major "cultural wall" for international professionals.
You might hear Japanese managers asking, "Why don't my international team members use HORENSO more?"
On the other hand, international employees often wonder, "Why do I need to check in so frequently?"
This gap in expectations can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and negatively impact work. In this article, we will break down the Japanese way of working to help you navigate your career smoothly.
[What you will learn in this article]
- The true meaning of HORENSO and how it differs from Western business culture.
- The core principles of Japanese business etiquette.
- Insights into the Japanese mindset and work style.
The True Meaning of HORENSO
Do you truly understand what "Reporting," "Informing," and "Consulting" mean in a Japanese context?
Each part of HORENSO focuses on a different timeframe:
- Houkoku (Reporting): Sharing what happened in the PAST.
- Renraku (Informing): Sharing what is happening in the PRESENT.
- Soudan (Consulting): Sharing what will happen in the FUTURE.
As you can see, HORENSO covers the entire timeline of a project.
"Results" vs. "Process"
While achieving results is essential in any business, the Japanese workplace values the "Process" just as much as—if not more than—the final outcome.
Western & European Business Style: Focus on Autonomy
In many Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on the individual.
Once a manager assigns a task, the most important thing is delivering the result by the deadline.
You are often given the freedom to manage the process yourself, and managers rarely ask for minor updates in between.
Japanese Business Style: Focus on Team Synergy
In contrast, Japanese culture emphasizes teamwork.
Projects are moved forward through the cooperation of multiple members.
To ensure everything goes smoothly, it is necessary for everyone to know exactly who is doing what at any given time.
This is why sharing the "Process" in detail is just as vital as delivering the final "Result."