The Japanese forge ahead to tackle their world problems

Article Abstract:

Trade imbalances, the rising value of the yen, and technological advances have caused some Japanese firms to change their corporate management styles and business practices. Traditional company loyalty, the concept of lifetime employment, slow decision-making processes, and rigid seniority systems may not be as prevalent in Japanese companies in the near future. Analysts expect to see increased investments in research, more merit-related promotions, and decentralization of companies. International personnel recruitment activity is increasing among Japanese companies involved in international markets. In an effort to spark innovation, trim the ranks of middle management, and encourage decision-making, some large Japanese firms are restructuring themselves as affiliated but separate entities, each of which must show its own profit to survive.

Management, Economic aspects, Industrial management, Japan Committee for Economic Development

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Now the Japanese bring democracy to salary reviews

Article Abstract:

ODS Corp., a Japanese marketing research firm and importer of technical publications that projects 1986 revenues of $19.1 million and employs approximately 230 people in a three-tiered hierarchical organization, conducts salary reviews as office-wide business meetings, allowing peers, superiors and subordinates to comment upon each employee's salary increase demands. The open discussion of salary and employee ratings usually requires three days to complete, with some sessions lasting well into the evening. ODS founder and chief executive, Takahiro Yamaguchi, believes the practice promotes fairness and team spirit. The consensus approach to compensation management is part of ODS's corporate philosophy that companies exist to serve their employees, not society or themselves.

Case studies, Innovations, Human resource management, Compensation management, Wage payment systems, Employee performance appraisals, Performance appraisals, Pay structure, ODS Corp.

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Are the Japanese hollowing out their economy?

Article Abstract:

Japan is expanding its manufacturing and assembly industries in locations throughout Southeast Asia, moves that are enabling Japan to reduce costs and to stay competitive in the global marketplace. A survey by the Japanese economic magazine Toyo Keizai reveals that more than 3,000 Japanese businesses have Asian locations and give jobs to 700,000 local workers. The efforts of the Japanese in Asia signal that they hope to be a dominant economic force in the region. The Japanese are being careful, however, to stress that manufacturing in Japan will continue to be important because they are very aware of what has happened in the US with the 'hollowing of industry.'

Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Foreign operations, Competition (Economics), Economic development, Southeast Asia, Asia, Southeastern

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