R&D management strategies: America versus Japan

Abstract

This paper outlines some differences between the American and Japanese approaches to R&D management and suggests future trends. Data from a comparative study of U.S. and Japanese factories is used to evaluate supposed differences. Japanese factories were found to invest comparatively more in employee training, include more group processes, such as quality circle, and receive more suggestions per employee than American factories. Innovation is also evaluated with available evidence suggesting that the rates are higher in the Japanese than American plants included in the samples. However, there seems to be a slight convergence in R&D management strategies in the two nations; American industry appears to be placing greater emphasis on quality enhancement and cost reduction in manufacturing, coupled with a revitalized attempt toward more participative management styles. Japanese industry seems to increasingly emphasize new product development coupled with an exploration of Western approaches to the management of R&D staff as individual professionals.

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