The Pros and Cons of the Japanese and American Philosophies in the Workplace

1. Introduction

In order to improve the quality and effectiveness of the plant, the Japanese manufacturing model was implemented at Warwick Electronics Corporation. The move towards a different way of working caused some changes in the company’s philosophy and the way they operate. There are now two different ways of thinking within the organization – the Japanese way and the American way. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this essay, we will compare and contrast the two philosophies, looking at how they differ and what each one has to offer.

2. Japanese Philosophy

The Japanese philosophy is based on the idea that the company comes first. This means that employees are expected to put the needs of the organization above their own. They should be loyal to the company and work for its success, even if it means making personal sacrifices. This approach can lead to high levels of motivation and commitment from employees, as they feel like they are part of something larger than themselves. It can also create a strong sense of team spirit, as everyone is working towards the same goal. However, this philosophy can also have negative effects. Employees may feel like they are being taken advantage of and that their own needs are being ignored. This can lead to low morale and high levels of stress.

3. American Philosophy

The American philosophy is based on the idea of human rights. This means that employees are seen as individuals with their own needs and rights. They should be treated fairly and with respect, and their contributions should be recognized. This approach can create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. It can also lead to high levels of motivation, as employees feel like they are working towards something that benefits them personally. However, this philosophy can also have negative effects. Employees may feel like they are being treated too leniently and that their work is not being taken seriously enough. This can lead to low standards and a lack of discipline in the workplace.

4. Company First vs. Human Rights

The main difference between the Japanese and American philosophies is that one puts the company first while the other puts human rights first. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, but ultimately it is up to each individual company to decide which one is best for them. There is no right or wrong answer, as each approach has its own merits. It is important to weigh up all the options and decide which philosophy will best suit your company’s needs and values.

5. Protests at Sanyo and Warwick

The implementation of the Japanese manufacturing model at Warwick Electronics Corporation led to some changes in the way that employees were treated. Some people felt that their rights were being violated, and they staged protests against the new system. The protests quickly spread to other companies who were using similar methods, such as Sanyo Electronics Corporation. The protests eventually led to some changes in policy, but many companies still operate using the Japanese philosophy today.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to both the Japanese and American philosophies. It is up to each individual company to decide which one is best for them, based on their own needs and values

FAQ

The key differences between Japanese and American philosophies are the individualism of the latter versus the collectivism of the former, and the emphasis on rationality in Western thought versus Eastern thought's focus on intuition.

Warwick has been successful in integrating these two philosophies by stressing teamwork and collective decision-making while also valuing individual initiative and creativity.

The challenges Warwick faces as it looks to maintain its competitive advantage in the global marketplace include staying ahead of imitators, managing costs, and adapting to changing customer needs.

Warwick's approach to product development and innovation is unique in that it combines a top-down strategic planning process with a bottom-up approach that solicits input from all employees.

Other companies can learn from Warwick's experience in managing change and integrating different cultures/philosophies by adopting a similar focus on teamwork, communication, and respect for individual differences.