Argues that the high job mobility observed most prominently among workers in Japanese firms is consistent with the behaviour of risk‐averse individuals when neither private nor public income insurance is widely available to displaced workers. Laissez faire is suboptimal and involves higher job...

The contrast between Japanese purchasing practices and US traditional purchasing practices provides a good insight into the relative importance of JIT for US firms. Since the initial implementation of JIT purchasing in late 1980 by Kawasaki Motors (Lincoln plant), at least 50 companies in the US...

The Japanese distribution system is often accused of being inefficient and responsible for high consumer prices. Discusses some critical dimensions that make distribution appear to be less efficient in Japan than the US. An empirical study compares distribution costs at all levels of the channel...

Suggests that the entrenched cultural norms affect the progress of women into and through the ranks of management. Uses culturally disparate, economically similar societies to seek an insight into female progression up the corporate ladder. Employs a social‐structural framework for analysis to...

Explores the influence of Japan’s culture on its innovative strengths and weaknesses. Indicates that Japan is good at evolutionary and process innovation but not so hot on inventing. Links this to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, comparing Japanese with US results. Attempts to link Japanese...