Management Strategy and Labour Flexibility In Japanese Manufacturing Enterprises

Abstract

Since the 1970s Japanese labour relations and management practices have been scrutinised as Western firms search for ways to improve their productivity and international competitiveness. Pervading this literature is the view that the Japanese labour market is flexible and adaptable. the purpose of this article is to ascertain if flexibility is a key strategic objective of management and if Japanese firms adopt a core‐peripheral approach to employment. the research is based on a survey of Japanese enterprises conducted and detailed interviews with senior managers. the major finding is that Japanese labour practices have a strategic component and that the use of casual and contract workers is consistent with a core‐peripheral labour strategy.

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