The "senpai–kōhai" relation is a cornerstone in interpersonal relations within the Japanese business world; for example, at meetings the lower-level employee should sit in the seat closest to the door, called "shimoza" (, "lower seat"), while the senior employee (sometimes the boss) sits next to some important guest in a position called "kamiza" (, "upper seat"). During meetings, most employees do not give their opinions, but simply listen and concur with their superiors, although they can express opinions with the prior consent of the employees of greater rank and influence in the company.