Gradual Evolution of the Management System in Japan

Japan's industrial progress in the last century is largely indebted to its system of management which relics heavily on patriotism and group endeavor. During the period of post-war recovery, the government also played a big role. The Meiji leaders took  up the issue of industrial development as their number one agenda. Initially, they emphasis upon the utilization of western technologies and concepts of management in Japanese industries. Gradually, they became alert in the borrowing of

these concepts and technologies and ultimately put their energies in the development of purely Japanese tradition in management.

            There is no denying the fact that the Zaibatsus. the national industrialists of Japan, did their best in the development of both industries and industrial management in Japan. As a matter of fact, the joint endeavor of both Government and the Zaibatsus played a big role in making Japan what is now at this moment.

The noted industrialists of Japan are almost self made. Their name and fame owe a great deal to their untiring efforts in industrializing Japan. They emphasized upon the employment of potential executives from among bright graduates of "A-grade" universities and business schools.

Young graduates also felt encouraged to join the better paid executive positions in industries instead of Government service. Business executives have thus occupied a more prestigeous position in the society compared to their counterparts in civil service. Consequently. today's managers are enjoying high social position. Appointments in such positions are, therefore, highly competitive. Talent hunting is also popular in Japan through which industrial houses try to lure away talented executives from other enterprises. However, the usual practice is to hire fresh graduates direct from universities and then to train them up for senior positions in the management hierarchy.