The art of Japanese management

Abstract

• Presents the seven S concept, which introduced a framework for comparing the different approaches of Japanese and US management. • The framework lists the seven important categories that managers should take into account—strategy, structure, skills, staff, shared values, systems, and style. • Argues that a major reason for the superiority of the Japanese is their managerial skills, largely due to their vision, something found to be lacking in the West, where the tools are there but vision is limited. • Shows how beliefs, assumptions, and perceptions about management frequently constrain US managers. • Describes how Japanese managers enhance their modus operandi through dynamic visions, rather than superficial or generic statements of corporate intent.