Case Studies in Japanese Management

This book provides a new opportunity for corporate strategy analysis within a Japanese context. It is the first academic textbook to be published in English which regroups case studies to emphasize key concepts in Japanese management. Where previous literature has set a separate focus on cultural, managerial and strategic variables, a holistic look is now taken at their influence on effective decision-making. Over 11 detailed cases depict issues in entering the Japanese market, strategic issues when managing in Japan, marketing management, crisis management, cross-cultural encounters and future technologies. The sophistication and depth of these studies, along with their teaching notes, provide the basis for pragmatic analysis. The mysticism surrounding Japanese culture seems magnified by the success of Japanese companies abroad, and the shortcomings of many MNEs that entered Japan ineffectively. Studying the empirical implications of these issues is a helpful exercise to develop more acute management reflexes in a Japanese setting. The book's carefully laid out cases will benefit business and humanities students who are researching Japan, as well as professionals who work within this sphere.