Productivity: Learning from the Japanese.

The article analyzes the productivity system methods popular among Japanese corporations and considers their applicability to United States companies. The need for U.S. companies to improve their productivity is discussed. Some idiosyncrasies of the Japanese approach to business are noted, including close ties between government and business, in-house labor unions and a commitment to lifetime job security. Examples of strategies used and problems faced by Japanese firms operating in the United States are presented and the increase in adoption of Japanese-style quality control circles among U.S. companies is noted.