What does 報連相 (hourensou) mean in business? Example sentences, English expressions and paraphrases.

update date 2024/05/14

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Do you know the term "報連相 (hourensou)," which you often hear in the Japanese business world? At first glance, some may think it is the name of a vegetable since it is pronounced the same as "spinach (hourensou). However, 報連相 is an important communication concept deeply rooted in Japanese corporate culture.

In this article, we will carefully explain the meaning and usage of 報連相, specific example sentences, English expressions, etc. By understanding and practicing 報連相 correctly, communication in Japanese business situations will become smoother. In particular, it is essential knowledge for foreigners working in Japan. Please read to the end.

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What does "報連相 (hourensou)" mean and how is it expressed in English?

報連相 (hourensou)" means "Report (HOU.koku)", "contact (renraku)", "Consultation (souDan)" is an acronym for three words. In Japanese corporate culture, this is one of the most important concepts for smooth business operations. Let's take a closer look at the meaning of each.

Report: "report" in English
- A subordinate informs his/her supervisor of the progress and results of his/her work.
- Regular reporting and prompt reporting of problems as they arise are required.
Contact: "contact" or "communicate" in English
- It refers to the sharing of information with people involved in the business.
- This applies to communication among project members and coordination with other departments.
- It is important to convey objective information without including your own opinion.
Consultation: "consult" in English.
- Seeking the opinion of a supervisor or colleague when it is difficult to make a business decision.
- The goal is to get the right advice, not to keep it to yourself.

報連相 is an important habit that helps to keep communication close within a team or organization, leading to early detection and resolution of problems.

Paraphrases and thesauruses for "報連相 (hourensou)

Each of the three words that make up 報連相 has an analogue.

Report analogies: report, notify, notify.
Contact analogies: to contact, communicate, communicate.
Consultation analogies: consulting, seeking opinions, discussing

These words can be paraphrased as "never fail to report, communicate, and consult with each other.

How to use "報連相 (hourensou)" in business, example sentences

Usage and example sentences of "報連相 (hourensou)" in business situations (1)

Consider a situation in which a subordinate reports the progress of his/her work to his/her supervisor.

Yamada: "Chief Suzuki, here is this week's work report. Project A is progressing smoothly and will be completed by the end of next week."

Suzuki, Section Chief: "Understood. If you have any problems, please contact me/consult me immediately."

Yamada: "Yes, okay, I will try to do 報連相."

As in this example, it is a common business practice to use 報連相 when a subordinate makes regular business reports and the supervisor encourages contact and consultation in response.

Usage and example sentences of "報連相 (hourensou)" in business situations (2)

Next, let's look at the 報連相 scene when a problem arises between members.

Sato: "Mr. Tanaka, we have encountered a problem in developing a new system. I will discuss this with my supervisor and inform the relevant departments."

Tanaka: "Understood, let's make sure 報連相 is thoroughly implemented, and we will try to resolve this issue as soon as possible."

Thus, prompt reporting, communication, and consultation when a problem arises will lead to appropriate handling of the problem.

報連相 (hourensou) in business situations

When practicing 報連相, the following points should be noted

Reporting and communication should be objective and factual.
- If you mix your own opinions and speculations, the information may be distorted.
Consultation should be done at the appropriate time.
- If you need to make an important decision, it is important to consult with us as soon as possible.
The frequency of 報連相 should vary depending on the nature of the work and the culture of the company.
- Consult with your supervisor regarding frequency and determine the appropriate interval.

It is important to keep these points in mind and make 報連相 a habit.

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summary

In this article, we explained in detail the meaning, usage, example sentences, English expressions, and thesauruses of "報連相", which is indispensable in the Japanese business scene. 報連相 means "report (HOU.koku)", "contact (renraku)", "Consultation (souIt is an acronym for "dan" and plays an important role in facilitating business operations and early detection and resolution of problems. It is equivalent to "report," "contact" or "communicate," and "consult. consult".

When practicing 報連相, it is important to convey objective facts in reporting and communication, and to consult at appropriate times. In addition, the frequency and precautions of 報連相 should be appropriately determined according to the nature of the work and the culture of the company.

Especially for foreign nationals working in Japan, learning the customs of 報連相 will be of great help in adapting to the Japanese corporate culture. We hope that this article will help you improve your communication skills in business situations.