The Japanese value of harmony and nursing ethics.

Full Abstract

Harmony is one of the most fundamental Japanese values. It is derived from Confucianism and encompasses a state of mind, an action process and outcomes of the action. This article draws on research data and discusses Japanese nurses' perceptions of harmony as reflected in their everyday practice. The most important virtues for these nurses were reported as politeness and respect for other persons. The outcome from the nurses' harmonious practice, it is claimed, benefited patients and created peaceful, harmonious relationships for all. Because of the unique link between harmony and the location of interaction, the ideal 'workplace harmony' threatened some nurses' professional decision making. These nurses confused harmony with conformity by superficial agreement. The Japanese seniority system could be a major factor contributing to this problem. Ethics education that includes traditional values and concepts in Japanese culture is strongly urged.

Author information

Author/s: Konishi, Emiko (E); Yahiro, Michiko (M); Nakajima, Naoko (N); Ono, Miki (M);

Affiliation: Saku University, Nagano, Japan. e-konishi(-atsign-)saku.ac.jp

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article

Journal: Nursing ethics (Nurs Ethics), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 16 (issue 5) : pp 625-36

Dates: Created 2009/08/12; Completed 2009/10/29;

PMID: 19671648, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/29/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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