The Division of Labor among Engineers, Foremen and Skilled Workers in Japanese Factories

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the division of labor and social conditions in Japanese manufacturing factories during the period from World War I to the end of World War II. Using data gained through interviews, this paper deals with the production system, rationalization of organization (scientific management and methods of mass production), and status system within Ikegai Ironworks. Ikegai Ironworks had a favorable reputation nationwide for its production of machine tools and engines before and during World War II.Engineers introduced scientific management and methods of mass production into Ikegai Ironworks. With this new management system, engineers conducted work studies and concluded that some foremen's tasks had been reduced. The limit gauge system was widely introduced as means of mass production and produced positive results. Some foremen were appointed as staff members for production management. The limit gauge system reduced processing and fitting work. This type of work did not disappear completely, however, remaining even during the mass production process when using scrapers. For product design, design engineers exchanged information with Koshi (overseeing foreman without specialized duties), foremen and group leaders. Koshi and foremen played a significant role in daily manufacturing and were “treated as white collar” (shokuin taigu) by the company status system.According to the research results, the division of labor of Ikegai Ironworks had some similarities with the flexible division of labor in the current Japanese manufacturing industry. The technical and social conditions on which the division of labor was based, however, were very different from the current system.