''Nemawashi'' () is an informal
Japanese business process of laying the foundation for some proposed change or project by talking to the people concerned and gathering support and feedback before a formal announcement. It is considered an important element in any major change in the Japanese business environment before any formal steps are taken. Successful ''nemawashi'' enables changes to be carried out with the consent of all sides, avoiding
embarrassment
Embarrassment or awkwardness is an emotional state that is associated with mild to severe levels of discomfort, and which is usually experienced when someone commits (or thinks of) a socially unacceptable or frowned-upon act that is witnessed ...
.
''Nemawashi'' literally translates as "turning the roots", from ''ne'' (, "root") and ''mawasu'' (, "to turn something, to put something around something else"). Its original meaning was literal: in preparation for
transplanting a tree, one would carefully dig ''around'' a tree some time before transplanting, and trim the ''roots'' to encourage the growth of smaller roots that will help the tree become established in its new location.
''Nemawashi'' is often cited as an example of a Japanese word which is difficult to translate effectively, because it is tied so closely to
Japanese culture
Japanese culture has changed greatly over the millennia, from the country's prehistoric Jōmon period, to its contemporary modern culture, which absorbs influences from Asia and other regions of the world.
Since the Jomon period, ancestral ...
itself, although it is often translated as "laying the groundwork."
In Japan, high-ranking people expect to be let in on new proposals prior to an official meeting. If they find out about something for the first time during the meeting, they will feel that they have been ignored, and they may reject it for that reason alone. Thus, it's important to approach these people individually before the meeting. This provides an opportunity to introduce the proposal to them and gauge their reaction. This is also a good chance to hear their input.
The term is associated with forming a
consensus, along with ''ringiseido'' (which is a more formal process). There is debate whether ''Nemawashi'' is truly co-operative, or if sometimes those consulted have little choice but to agree. The process can be time consuming.
See also
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Japanese management culture
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Lobbying
Lobbying is a form of advocacy, which lawfully attempts to directly influence legislators or government officials, such as regulatory agency, regulatory agencies or judiciary. Lobbying involves direct, face-to-face contact and is carried out by va ...
*
Polder model - Dutch form of consensus building
*
Toyota Production System
The Toyota Production System (TPS) is an integrated socio-technical system, developed by Toyota, that comprises its management philosophy and practices. The TPS is a management system that organizes manufacturing and logistics for the automobile ...
References
External links
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* Kirai, a geek in Japan
Nemawashi
{{Japanese social terms
Japanese words and phrases
Japanese business terms
Economy of Japan
Lean manufacturing