Japan is known for its successful companies. One might only think about the automobile manufacturer Toyota. To perform successful, a company has to maximise profit. In contrast to Western companies, in Japanese companies, profit is maximised by increasing sales and maximising volume by increasing productivity and efficiency. The question that arises is how could the Japanese increase productivity that much? One possible answer is the Japanese management approach. For some time now, the characteristics of Japanese management style have been a popular issue, mainly in Europe and in the United States. Have the qualities and values of society and of individual been a reason for Japanese success? Such issues as the business group, the seniority wage system, the lifetime employment system and the periodic recruitment of new graduates have been examined in diverse ways. A look at the actual operations of Japanese enterprises in Europe and the United States indicates that, there are changes going on concerning Japanese management practices. Japan is an island with almost total ethnic homogeneity, having been unaffected by Western influences for long time. Modern management practices are said to be rooted in the cultural and geographical traditions of the country. Emphasis in recent analysis has been put on how the Japanese management style has arisen and evolved historically, rather than on its typological characteristics. This paper makes the attempt to examine Japanese management characteristics with regard to historical influences, Japanese culture, Japanese social system as well as possible future needs. Cultural and historical heritage will be presented first followed by a summary of Japanese values on which society is based. After that, management practices with regard to traditional and modern approaches are presented. Meanwhile, changes in management practices are examined.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- History and cultural heritage
- Japanese culture, beliefs and values
- Traditional organisational structure
- Values and their expression in form of language
- History of management practices
- Traditional human resource management practices
- Changes within the society and economy
- Toyota - example of a Japanese company
- Changing management practices
- Keiretsu – management on inter firm level
- Management on intra firm level
- Life-time employment
- Middle aged and older employees in Japanese corporations
- Recruitment
- Payment systems
- Incentives
- Gender related issues
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine Japanese management practices in light of historical influences, cultural nuances, and societal structures. It explores the question of how Japanese management approaches contribute to the success of Japanese companies, particularly when compared to Western counterparts. The focus lies on understanding the evolution of management practices within a context of cultural values and societal transformations.
- The impact of Confucian philosophy on Japanese societal values and organizational structure
- The historical evolution of management practices in Japan, from pre-modern to contemporary times
- The influence of cultural values and social structures on Japanese management practices
- The role of traditional human resource management practices, such as lifetime employment and seniority systems
- The adaptation and evolution of management practices in response to economic and societal changes
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of Japanese management practices and their significance in the context of successful Japanese companies. It highlights the importance of understanding how productivity and efficiency are maximized in Japanese firms.
- History and cultural heritage: This chapter traces the historical development of Japanese society and its cultural foundation, emphasizing the influence of Confucian philosophy on values such as loyalty, filial piety, and respect for elders. The Meiji Restoration and its impact on Japan's transition into an industrialized nation are discussed.
- Japanese culture, beliefs and values: This chapter delves into the cultural values that underpin Japanese society and their influence on organizational structures. The traditional family system and its impact on individual and group behavior are examined. Tips on negotiating with Japanese individuals are presented, emphasizing the importance of patience, consensus building, and respect for detail.
- History of management practices: This chapter explores the historical development of management practices in Japan, highlighting the role of the zaibatsu (large family businesses) and their influence on modern management approaches. The impact of World War II and the subsequent economic recovery on management practices are discussed.
- Traditional human resource management practices: This chapter delves into traditional human resource management practices in Japan, focusing on key elements such as lifetime employment, seniority systems, and recruitment practices. The role of these practices in fostering loyalty and commitment within organizations is explored.
- Changes within the society and economy: This chapter analyzes the influence of societal and economic changes on management practices in Japan. The impact of the 1973 oil crisis and the Asian crisis of 1997 on the Japanese economy are discussed, highlighting the need for adaptation and innovation in management approaches.
- Toyota - example of a Japanese company: This chapter provides a case study of Toyota, a prominent Japanese company, to illustrate the application of Japanese management practices in a real-world setting.
- Changing management practices: This chapter examines the evolution of management practices in Japan in response to globalized markets and changing economic realities. Key areas of focus include keiretsu (inter-firm networks), management on intra-firm level (lifetime employment, middle aged and older employees, recruitment, payment systems, incentives), and gender-related issues.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the realm of Japanese management practices, encompassing historical influences, cultural values, societal structures, traditional human resource management practices, and their adaptation to contemporary economic realities. Key concepts include Confucianism, zaibatsu, lifetime employment, seniority systems, keiretsu, and gender-related issues in management.
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- Alice Sbrzesny (Author), 2004, Management Practices in Japan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/60989
