If you want to build your career in Japan, learning about Ho-Ren-So is a great place to start. Many foreigners in Japanese companies struggle to adapt to the local communication style. Even if they perform well in their roles, a communication gap can hinder their progress.
But don’t worry—we’re here to help! By the end of this article, you’ll understand what Ho-Ren-So is, why it’s important, and how it can significantly contribute to your career development.
What is HoRenSo
In Japanese, Horenso means spinach. Yes, you read that right—spinach! You might be scratching your head, wondering how leafy greens are connected to work ethic and business communication in Japan. Are we supposed to munch on spinach while discussing quarterly reports? It sounds like a recipe for a very odd office lunch!
The answer is that spinach itself isn’t crucial in this context. What’s important are the concepts of Houkoku, Renraku,and Soudan—collectively known as HoRenSo. Some people may spell it as HouRenSou or HoRenZo.
Houkoku (報告; ほうこく) means report.
Renraku (連絡; れんらく) means communication or contact.
Soudan (相談; そうだん) means consult or ask for advice.
The concept was first introduced by Tomiji Yamazaki, the CEO of Yamanata Security, in his 1982 book, Strengthen Your Company with Ho-Ren-So. Since then, it has spread widely across Japan and is now applied in many companies.
HoRenSo is considered a fundamental skill for employees. New staff typically undergo training that includes learning HoRenSo. Mastering these principles is essential for effective communication within the company.
Houkoku (Report)
As a subordinate, it’s essential to keep your superior informed regularly. In Japanese companies, both the process and the results are equally important. Managers need to be aware of every bump along the way because it’s part of their responsibility.
When you encounter a small problem or make a minor mistake, you might feel it’s unnecessary to report it. After all, you can resolve it quickly on your own—why bother the manager? However, this isn’t how things typically work in most Japanese companies. Employees generally do not have the authority to make decisions independently. Instead, it’s crucial to report any issues to your superior immediately.
Employees should proactively update their managers about their progress before being asked. The purpose of this reporting is to keep managers informed about every assignment, enabling them to identify and address any problems promptly.
Renraku (Communicate, Inform)
Renraku refers to the quick and concise sharing of information with your coworkers. The key difference between renraku and houkoku is that anyone can initiate renraku. Both managers and staff can inform each other, whereas in houkoku, it’s the subordinate who approaches the superior.
When communicating with your colleagues, it’s important to stick to the facts without including personal opinions, assumptions, or irrelevant details like gossip. For example, if you’re running late for a meeting, you should notify your coworkers immediately. This way, they won’t worry or panic, and they can quickly cover for you.
By practicing renraku, everyone stays informed about the progress of a project and the status of their colleagues. This helps prevent misunderstandings, such as someone assuming their coworker is already aware of something important.
Soudan (Consult, Ask Advice)
Japanese companies encourage employees to seek input and discuss their work upon completing a task. You can consult with team members, superiors, or external stakeholders, often in a one-on-one setting.
Employees should never feel isolated when working on a project. Remember, Japanese companies emphasize teamwork over individualism. Requesting a consultation does not imply incompetence or dependency; rather, it’s a way to involve others and foster collaboration.
Seniority holds significant importance in Japan. By seeking advice, employees demonstrate respect for their superiors, indicating reliance on their expertise and trust in their opinions. Additionally, learning from their experiences can help you avoid similar mistakes, saving you time and energy by steering you in the right direction.
Effective Communication or Micromanaging?
Micromanaging refers to superiors or managers who closely monitor their subordinates, attempting to control trivial matters even when their employees are fully capable. This often leads to problems stemming from a lack of trust in the staff and restricted freedom.
For foreign workers, especially those from cultures that value independence, HoRenSo might initially resemble micromanaging. They may be accustomed to working individually and only informing the manager upon project completion rather than doing frequent check-ins.
However, HoRenSo differs significantly from micromanaging. Employees in Japan typically do not receive detailed instructions at the beginning of a project. Instead, the company empowers them to propose ideas, control the direction, manage the pace, and more. As a result, employees are expected to continuously report their progress to their managers.
In the context of HoRenSo, employees are given the space to grow. Managers take on a supportive role, supervising progress and offering guidance along the way. If employees make mistakes, managers are readily available to assist. This collaborative approach allows for minor errors to be addressed during the process, rather than discovering issues at the end.
Why is HoRenSo Important?
HoRenSo is essential for a company to operate smoothly. Effective communication is key to ensuring that multiple people work collaboratively toward their common goals.
Continuous communication strengthens the bond between superiors and subordinates. When employees diligently practice HoRenSo, they become more trustworthy. Managers can rely on their staff to report issues promptly, while employees feel supported by their managers, knowing help is always available when needed.
Of course, there are pros and cons to HoRenSo. However, it aligns perfectly with Japanese business culture, where group teamwork is prioritized, and the process is as valuable as the outcome. If you want to work in Japan, embracing HoRenSo is essential for fitting in.
As you learn about HoRenSo, it’s important to find workplaces where communication is clear and easy. Our job review website can help. Through real stories and experiences shared by employees, you can gain a deeper understanding of how different workplaces implement HoRenSo and prioritize clear communication. Whether you prefer open conversations or regular updates, Tokhimo Review has the info you need to pick the right company for you. Check out our site now!
