Culture Hacks

Deciphering Differences in American, Chinese, and Japanese Thinking

By: Richard Conrad

Narrated by: Brian Nishii

International business requires a deep level of industry insight but also a keen understanding of the cultural differences that impact how business is done. If you’re an American working in China or Japan for the first time, you may not realize the way each culture thinks and reasons is quite different from your own, which can lead to frequent misunderstandings.

You may be unaware, for example, that Americans reason in a linear manner, Chinese in a lateral manner, and Japanese intuitively. Or that Japanese view the world in literal terms, while Americans and Chinese are more balanced between abstract and literal.

You won’t see about these differences in a typical business etiquette book, but they are foundational to the way each culture considers and conducts their business.

In Culture Hacks, Richard Conrad draws on his 25 years of experience living and working in Asia to explain the different ways Americans, Chinese, and Japanese think, reason, and interpret the world. He’ll equip you to successfully navigate unfamiliar territory by offering best practices and recommendations for interacting with and understanding each other.

©2019 Richard Conrad (P)2019 Richard Conrad

Changed how I see the world

As well as helping me to understand my Japanese and Chinese friends better. One of the most helpful books I've read in the last few years.

Fascinating and well-read

Really fun, insightful look into other cultures in an honest and non fussy sort of way. often funny, a business bent but not a business book...didn't realize how close and how far apart the different cultures were.

If you want to understand Asia with one book this is it

I’ve lived and worked in Asia for 15 years. Had I read this book sooner I would have been more effective, especially at the negotiating table. It starts a bit slow with descriptions of Japanese and Chinese cultures but it is spot on. My favorite part is the last third where the author has distilled down the business, economic, and even some political factors that make Japan and China such a challenge to westerners.

Incredible Insights

This Book changed the way I see the world. Perspective on Chinese, America and Japanese thinking - well worth your time.

Great book

Liked the short stories examples, such different cultures in the world overall great book, definitely will recommend.

Fantastic book

Very enlightening and engaging from the first page to the last. Highly recommend this book for anyone interested in east asian culture, global politics, or economics.

I want more!

This is a great read, direct to the point and easy to digest. I learned a lot and got really interested into knowing more about the Chinese and the Japanese way of thinking. The author is so courageous and so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience both China and Japan.

Best book I’ve read in a long time

Mr Conrad presented a much nuanced analysis of the many ways that Americans, Chinese and Japanese think differently and how we have interacted with each other as countries and individuals. Very thought provoking.

Highly recommend!

Not many ppl in this world with unique experiences as the author can make this book happen.
Very practical analysis, fair and balanced view on cultural differences and economic issues among Japan US and China.
Highly recommend any politician and business professionals to have a read.

Insightful!

This book is much deeper than a collection of anecdotes and generalizations! I highly recommend this book as a crash course to Americans who do business in Asia and to Asians particularly Chinese or Japanese who work with Americans. The book is practical and fun to read! What I love the most is how the author connects the anecdotes to something much deeper, the framework of linear thinking vs lateral thinking. Personally, as a Chinese who lived in America for half of my life, despite the fact that I don’t agree with some of the author’s personal opinions and generalizations, this book reminded me the deep rooted differences in the thinking process and I should take notes on that while working with people from different cultural background.