MACMILLAN Japanese Management for a Globalized World: The Strength of the Lean, Trusting and Outward-Looking Firm (Palgrave Macmillan Asian Business Series)

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the changes that have taken place in the systems and practices of Japanese management over the last quarter century, identifies the positive and useful attributes that ought to be maintained, and clarifies the behavioral principles that form the groundwork of their strengths. Observing the changes in the business environment brought about by the forces of intensifying globalization, the book presents a highly effective management model that builds on the superior aspects of Japanese-style management while overcoming its weaknesses. It is a multi-layered human-resources management model that combines the mutually complementary aspects of the Japanese and Anglo-Saxon systems, incorporating the strengths of both systems. This hybrid model is aimed at increasing workplace motivation, promoting the creation of new value, and enhancing performance and can be used successfully in many countries around the world. It will be of interest to business strategists and consultants, scholars, and entrepreneurs.        Review “Based on detailed research, this book comes at just the right time. The Anglo-Saxon model of corporate management is under widespread attack, and the search is on for ways forward. Watanabe shows that, as reformed in recent years, the Japanese model retains essential relevance for thinking in the West.” (Anthony Giddens, former Director of the London School of Economics, Life Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, and a Member of the House of Lords, UK) “This book provides a timely appraisal of contemporary Japanese work and employment practices. With insights on what Western managers should consider and what universities can teach, Watanabe has given us an invaluable stocktaking of how the Japanese management style would be of value to globalizing companies, and what firms in Japan ought to welcome from the West.” (Michael Useem, Professor of Management and Director of the Wharton Leadership Center, University of Pennsylvania, USA)  From the Back Cover This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the changes that have taken place in the systems and practices of Japanese management over the last quarter century, identifies the positive and useful attributes that ought to be maintained, and clarifies the behavioral principles that form the groundwork of their strengths. Observing the changes in the business environment brought about by the forces of intensifying globalization, the book presents a highly effective management model that builds on the superior aspects of Japanese-style management while overcoming its weaknesses. It is a multi-layered human-resources management model that combines the mutually complementary aspects of the Japanese and Anglo-Saxon systems, incorporating the strengths of both systems. This hybrid model is aimed at increasing workplace motivation, promoting the creation of new value, and enhancing performance and can be used successfully in many countries around the world. It will be of interest to business strategists and consultants, scholars, and entrepreneurs. About the Author Satoko Watanabe is Professor of Sociology and Management at Chuo University in Tokyo, Japan. She has taught at International University of Japan and subsequently at Sophia University, where she was Professor of Sociology. She received her undergraduate degrees from University of Tokyo and Western College for Women in the United States and her M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from Boston University.