Read the following CI sample #3 in Japan and give your best possible solution to it.
We assume the case of an American expatriate staying in Japan. Please read the incident as if you are advising him.
Ben Johnson was looking forward to his business trip to Japan. He thought he would be able to combine business with travel. Although he did not know anyone in particular, he thought that if he made a request to a large electronics company, they would give him specific contact information.
He contacted the company’s executive secretary to arrange a meeting with one of the executives from his home office. The secretary spoke very good English. When he arrived in Japan, he decided to drop by the Tokyo office to meet Mr. Ken Yamada, the executive director of the company.
After introducing himself to the secretary, she asked him for a business card, which he gave to the secretary, who told him that Executive Director Yamada was busy and asked him to come back in a few days. Much to Ben’s dismay, he was looking forward to a relaxing trip after work.
The hospitality he received from Executive Director Yamada a few days later seemed strange to Ben. While treating him to tea, Executive Director Yamada asked him questions about his country and hometown. When Ben, anxious for time, tried to bring up his work, Mr. Yamada quickly dodged the question, and the conversation continued.
After a few more cups of tea were poured, the meeting ended with an invitation to have lunch together again in a few days.
What are the issue and the best possible solution to this incident?
