What a Waste: Mottainai
What a Waste: Mottainai (もったいない) in Japanese Business Culture
Japan is widely known for its culture of respect for people, nature, and even objects. This culture is embedded in them from a young age through different teachings that cultivate a general character of respect. One of most important, but casual, concepts that helps shape this attitude is the concept of Mottainai (もったいない).
This expression of Mottainai roughly translates to "what a waste", and is used when something that can still be of use is wasted. For example, when you don't finish the food on your plate or when you throw away paper that can be recycled or used again. The meaning of Mottainai (もったいない）originates from the Buddhist concept of regret over squandering, or even misusing, material objects and resources.
Mottainai also has had different meanings over time. At one time the expression was used to communicate the lack of importance and respect for something.
How does this translate into Business in Japan
This expression is used in all facets of life in Japan, and business is no exception. "Not being wasteful" is seen as a standard in Japan, a standard that should be followed by everyone. It is important to keep each other accountable to being wasteful, as it can be interrupted as disrespectful or un-cultured. To avoid having a bad reputation in a business setting, here are some ways you can avoid having "mottainai" said to you.
1: Resources
As vague as this may sound, mottainai can be used when resources are being wasted. This can range from wasting paper to other, larger company expenses. For example, if a staff member has to travel a long distance and insists on taking a taxi, this can be considered Mottainai as they can take the train which is a more cost-effective, not to mention more eco-friendly, alternative.
2: Planning
Although the Japanese decision-making process can be seen as slow and inefficient on one hand, it can also be said to be more as deliberate measure to avoid unnecessary correction later on the other. The need for frequent correction and backtracking as a result of poor planning, can be said to be Mottainai. Generally, Japanese business practices prefer to spend excessive time in the planning stages as to not “waste” time, energy or resources during execution.
3: Time
Poorly utilizing manpower and human resources can be viewed as Mottainnai. This can happen when a person is not performing to their capacity or a team is bloated with an over-abundance of staff necessary to complete the project or tasks. Here utilizing the concept of Mottainai helps to keep teams tight and labor costs low, sometimes at the expense of the negative impact of over-working, which has been a topic of concern in Japanese business in recent years.
4: Opportunity
Chances missed, like a sales opportunity has gone by, an investment window expired, a potential partner has decided to go in another direction, etc., can be seen as Mottainai. In this sense, the “waste” here is potential, not of resources that haven’t been used effectively. Opportunity has been squandered and the tangible gain may be immeasurable. What a waste!
You will hear the concept and expression of Mottainai frequently, whether it is inside or outside your work place. It is something you should keep in mind and practice as you interact and do business within the setting of Japanese culture.
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