Characteristics and Origins of Modern and Enduring Japanese Managerial Practice

Abstract

Japan was transformed after World War II into an industrial powerhouse. The combination of strategic support from the West, together with a unique set of cultural factors which manifest themselves in the corporate management culture, left many Western managers in awe at what Japan could accomplish in such a short period. Unfortunately the same factors that enabled Japan to become so strong also became impediments to Japanese organizations as globalization develop. Japan addressed these new trends and made efforts towards conforming to new realities; however venerated traditionally-conservative organizations which endured for many years did little to change these managerial practices.