JAPANESE MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY AND BUDDHISM: AN INTERRELATIONSHIP.

Abstract

Japanese managerial style or philosophy cannot be adequately understood unless one first understands some key elements of the culture from which the manager is born. One key element of the Japanese culture is Buddhism - especially Zen Buddhism. This particular religious philosophy cites the Four Noble Truths which are achieved by following the Middle Way via what is known as the Noble Eightfold Path. The general theme is one of liberation through self-discipline of the natural creative energies stored within the individual. The dedication and perseverance inherent in this philosophy is evident in the performance of large Japanese firms and their employees. Such commitment is not limited only to managers, but is widespread - especially where the firm's technology level is high. While Japanese study teams continually travel through the U.S. to study our managerial practices, we would be well advised to study their dedication to quality performance of human resources.