Patterns of Creativity in Japan Lessons from Successful Japanese Companies – A Resource

To Get Recognition, Give it Away

Implied recognition is a powerful reward that can be given every day.

Expressed recognition is very visible, but Eastern tradition also recognizes ‘implied recognition’ (being regarded as trustworthy, skilled and effective) which is subtle and acquired over time.

Giving implied recognition can be done by, for example, seeking opinions/advice or giving an invitation to an important meeting. Expressed recognition can encourage individual competition and results in ineffectiveness.

Example: From a large survey of manager attitudes in high performance Japanese companies.

Source: Pascale, R.T. (1978). Communication and decision making across cultures: Japanese and American comparisons. Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 91-110.