Overcoming traditional beliefs has been a long process, but can now yield major opportunities.
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- The Japanese had prided themselves on the long-standing tenets of corporate paternalism and lifetime job security.
- This system served them well in the post - WWII rebuilding, but broke down when seemingly at its peak in the late 80s.
- As the 90s dawned, the unthinkable happened –layoffs!
- Amid this uncertainty consumption stalled, birth rates plummeted, and an economic and psychological malaise ensued.
- As the generation born during these times has matured, there is now an increasing acceptance of Western corporate management practices.
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The Changing Face of Japanese Corporate Culture
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19th Century up to 1946 |
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'Zailbastsu' - large, family-controlled
organisations of banking and
industrial combines that exerted
great influence over government.
Used in reference to Edo- and
Meiji-era zaibatsu.
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1946 - c1953 |
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'Democratisation' - with the restructuring
after World War II, American notions of
corporate management prevailed
brieflt, but these were soon to give
way, as US attention turned to the rising
tide of Communism in China.
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c1953 - 1990s |
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'Keiretsu' - an incestous
conglomeration of companies
with a bank at their center and
major cross-holdings.
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1990s - now |
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'Gaijin' - increased
acceptance of 'foreigner'
practices, and in some cases
senior officers.
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