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.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. History and cultural heritage
- 3. Japanese culture, beliefs and values
- 3.1. Traditional organisational structure
- 3.2. Values and their expression in form of language
- 4. History of management practices
- 5. Traditional human resource management practices
- 6. Changes within the society and economy
- 7. Toyota - example of a Japanese company
- 8. Changing management practices
- 8.1. Keiretsu – management on inter firm level
- 8.2. Management on intra firm level
- 8.2.1. Life-time employment
- 8.2.2. Middle aged and older employees in Japanese corporations
- 8.2.3. Recruitment
- 8.2.4. Payment systems
- 8.2.5. Incentives
- 8.3. Gender related issues
- 9. Conclusion
- 10. References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to examine the characteristics of Japanese management practices, considering their historical development, cultural influences, and societal structures. The analysis will also explore potential future trends and adaptations. * The historical evolution of Japanese management practices. * The influence of Japanese culture and values on management styles. * The impact of societal changes on traditional management approaches. * The role of specific companies, such as Toyota, in shaping management practices. * The examination of modern adaptations and shifts within Japanese management.Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting Japan's business success, particularly focusing on companies like Toyota. It contrasts the Japanese approach to profit maximization—emphasizing sales volume increase through productivity and efficiency—with Western methods. The chapter introduces the core question: how has Japan achieved such high productivity? It points to the Japanese management approach as a key factor, noting its growing interest in the West and highlighting the ongoing debate about the interplay of societal values and Japanese business success. The chapter concludes by outlining the paper's structure and scope. 2. History and cultural heritage: This chapter explores the historical underpinnings of Japanese society and management. It traces the influence of Confucian philosophy, with its emphasis on benevolent action, loyalty, filial piety, and a rejection of individualism, which shaped Japanese values for centuries. The Meiji Restoration of 1867/68 is examined as a pivotal moment, transforming Japan from a feudal state to an industrialized power. The chapter details the government's active role in fostering industrial growth, particularly supporting the zaibatsu (large family businesses). The post-World War II period is also discussed, covering Japan's recovery, economic growth, and the challenges posed by the 1973 oil crisis and the 1997 Asian financial crisis. 3. Japanese culture, beliefs and values: This chapter delves into the cultural nuances influencing Japanese management, drawing on insights from Edward T. Hall and Mildred R. Hall's "Hidden Differences." It highlights key tips for negotiating with Japanese individuals, emphasizing patience, long-term perspectives, language proficiency, consensus-building, attention to detail, and relaxation. The chapter further examines these points through the lens of traditional organizational structures, specifically the Japanese family system with its distinct structure encompassing ancestors, the living, and future generations. The significant role of the family head and the importance of younger sons contributing to family prosperity are elaborated upon. 4. History of management practices: [This section would contain a summary of Chapter 4 if the provided text contained it. Since it does not, this section is left blank] 5. Traditional human resource management practices: [This section would contain a summary of Chapter 5 if the provided text contained it. Since it does not, this section is left blank] 6. Changes within the society and economy: [This section would contain a summary of Chapter 6 if the provided text contained it. Since it does not, this section is left blank] 7. Toyota - example of a Japanese company: [This section would contain a summary of Chapter 7 if the provided text contained it. Since it does not, this section is left blank] 8. Changing management practices: This chapter explores the evolving landscape of Japanese management practices, examining changes at both the inter-firm (Keiretsu) and intra-firm levels. The intra-firm discussion includes crucial aspects of Japanese employment, such as lifetime employment, the roles of middle-aged and older employees, recruitment methods, payment systems, and incentive structures. Gender-related issues within the context of changing management practices are also addressed.Keywords
Japanese management, cultural influence, historical development, societal impact, profit maximization, productivity, efficiency, Confucianism, Meiji Restoration, zaibatsu, lifetime employment, Keiretsu, Toyota, economic growth, human resource management, gender issues, organizational structure, societal values.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Preview of Japanese Management Practices
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a text analyzing Japanese management practices. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis explores the historical development, cultural influences, and societal structures shaping Japanese management, along with potential future trends and adaptations.
What topics are covered in the text?
The text covers a wide range of topics related to Japanese management, including its historical evolution, the influence of Japanese culture and values (such as Confucianism), the impact of societal changes (like the Meiji Restoration and post-war economic growth), the role of specific companies (like Toyota), and modern adaptations and shifts in management practices (including Keiretsu and intra-firm dynamics).
What are the key themes of the analysis?
Key themes include the historical evolution of Japanese management practices, the influence of Japanese culture and values on management styles, the impact of societal changes on traditional management approaches, the role of specific companies in shaping management practices, and the examination of modern adaptations and shifts within Japanese management.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured with chapters covering an introduction, historical and cultural context, Japanese cultural beliefs and values, the history of management practices, traditional human resource management practices, societal and economic changes, a case study of Toyota, changing management practices (including Keiretsu, lifetime employment, recruitment, payment systems, and gender issues), and a conclusion, followed by references.
What are the key aspects of traditional Japanese human resource management discussed?
While detailed summaries of Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 are not provided in the preview, the preview does mention that the text will cover traditional human resource management practices, including lifetime employment, the roles of middle-aged and older employees, recruitment methods, payment systems, and incentive structures within the changing context of Japanese management.
What role does culture play in Japanese management practices?
The text emphasizes the significant influence of Japanese culture and values, particularly Confucianism, on management styles. It highlights the importance of factors such as loyalty, consensus-building, long-term perspectives, and attention to detail in understanding Japanese management approaches.
How does the text analyze the role of specific companies?
Toyota serves as a key example to illustrate specific Japanese management practices. The text examines how Toyota's approach contributes to the overall understanding of Japanese management.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Japanese management, cultural influence, historical development, societal impact, profit maximization, productivity, efficiency, Confucianism, Meiji Restoration, zaibatsu, lifetime employment, Keiretsu, Toyota, economic growth, human resource management, gender issues, organizational structure, and societal values.
What is the objective of the text?
The text aims to examine the characteristics of Japanese management practices, considering their historical development, cultural influences, and societal structures. It also explores potential future trends and adaptations within Japanese management practices.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Alice Sbrzesny (Autor:in), 2004, Management Practices in Japan, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/60989
