AM Lecture 1

Zaibatsu

Here is an overview of the Japanese business environment:

• Business conglomerates
• Zaibatsu
• Single family controlled
• Central holding company
• Pyramid structure
• 1930s: Four zaibatsus controlled 25% of Japanese business
• 1947: Zaibatsus were dissolved, neutralised by US military power.

Keiretsu

Highly protectionist activities

Change

Downsides to Japanese management

Dark side of Japanese management in the 1990s

Potential Reasons

The great management myth?

The China syndrome?