Japanese-Style Management in America

Abstract

This article defines what is meant by Japanese-style management and explores the degree to which it has been implemented in Japanese-owned and operated factories in the United States. It examines the Japanese practice of lifetime employment and the degree to which Japanese-style management reflects Japanese culture. A key to the success of Japanese managerial methods in the U.S. is that they make it economically feasible to train and retain the internal-promotion-type worker. This type of worker is more important for high value-added manufacturing and advanced services than either skilled or unskilled labor.