AM Lecture 1

The great management myth?

Japanese management failed because it was process, rather than people-orientated.

It appears that Japanese management was just a set of production techniques, with the term "management" itself being an application of societal norms transferred to the substitute family (the workplace).

Interview with head of Kenwood (Economist, March 2004)

The head of Kenwood, Mr Kawahara, stated that Japanese firms adopt a manufacturing philosophy, which emphasises highly trained workers, continuous efforts to eliminate defects, and lean production that minimise waste.

He argued that when Japan was doing well economically, this philosophy was a successful strategy. However, it meant that managers "never needed to learn how to manage". This succinctly summarises the shortcomings of Japanese management, both when doing well and doing badly.

The China syndrome