Japanese Management

Notes

Japanese Management

distinctive element of the Japanese management model is the greater role given to workers' knowledge.

It came about primarily as worker involvement in industrial engineering.

Just-in-time (Kanban) and the continuous learning program (Kaizen), as well as other aspects of Japanese personnel practice, have come from this

The following are the basis of Japanese Management

  1. Management technology is a highly transportable technology

  2. Just-in-time production exposes problems otherwise hidden by excess inventories and staff.

  3. Quality begins with production, and requires a company-wide "habit of improvement."

  4. Culture is no obstacle; techniques can change behavior

  5. Simplify, and goods will flow like water

  6. Flexibility opens doors

  7. Travel light and make numerous trips, like the water beetle

  8. More self-improvement, fewer programs, less specialist intervention

  9. Simplicity is the natural state

Advantages

  1. Emphasis on quality

  2. Emphasis on Team Work and coming up with new ideas

  3. Encourages the development of skills & multi-tasking

  4. Is likely to increase job satisfaction

Disdvantages

  • May be difficult to implement for cultural reasons

  • Does not exploit economies of scale as advocated by Scientific Management

  • May be difficult to replace workers if they leave the organization

Notes