Suchergebnisse

pt. 1. Conceptual framework -- pt. 2. Period of high economic growth (1962-1973) -- pt. 3. Period between two oil crises : a period of change (1974-1980) -- pt. 4. Period of stable economic growth to the bubble economy (1981-1990) -- pt. 5. Post bubble period (1991-2000) -- pt. 6. Contemporary views on Japanese society and management.

This article addresses the issue of exportability of the Japanese model of labor relations consisting of lifetime employment, length-of-service wage and promotion, and enterprise unionism, which together are sometimes called three divine treasures. A quick examination of the model's applicability in Japan itself reveals that it is a myth rather than a reality. A survey of literature on the practices of Japanese-owned companies in Southeast Asia and North America indicates that there is a wide variation of employment practices and that the divine-treasures model is seldom followed in its entirety. Even if there is partial adoption of the model, it is difficult to determine if those seemingly Japanese features are actually imported from Japan or home grown. It is concluded, therefore, that Japanese companies are pragmatists in adapting to local conditions and that globalization of business tends to bring about convergence of different models into one that is most suitable under dynamically changing conditions.

Drawing on a survey of literature on the practices of Japanese-owned companies, the exportability of their model of labor relations -- lifetime employment, length-of-service wage & promotion, & enterprise unionism -- are analyzed. It is suggested that the model's applicability in Japan itself reveals that it is a myth rather than a reality, & that in other Southeast Asian & North American countries, a wide variation of employment practices exist, & the model is seldom followed. Further, even with a partial implementation, it is difficult to determine if these features are imported from Japan or homegrown. It is concluded that Japanese companies are pragmatists in adapting to local conditions, & that the convergence of different models into the one most appropriate under dynamically changing conditions is generally promoted by the globalization of business. S. Millett