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Knowing who you are doing business with in Japan: a managerial view of keiretsu and keiretsu business groups

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  • Lai, George Ming-Hong

Abstract

Most executives do not fully understand the notion of keiretsu or keiretsu business groups (KBG) nor the implications of dealing with a KBG member. A keiretsu is a sophisticated, multifaceted management device--not a form of organization. KBGs are not trusts, cartels, or conglomerates but groups of firms with an intricate web of inter-firm relations. Both are products of Japan's peculiar culture, history, and business system and represent the manner in which many Japanese firms conduct their collective operations.

Suggested Citation

  • Lai, George Ming-Hong, 1999. "Knowing who you are doing business with in Japan: a managerial view of keiretsu and keiretsu business groups," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 423-448, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:34:y:1999:i:4:p:423-448
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. K. C. Fung, 1991. "Characteristics of Japanese Industrial Groups and Their Potential Impact on US-Japanese Trade," NBER Chapters, in: Empirical Studies of Commercial Policy, pages 137-168, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    1. Brouthers, Lance Eliot & Gao, Yan & Napshin, Stuart, 2014. "Keiretsu centrality — profits and profit stability: A power dependence perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 67(12), pages 2603-2610.
    2. Luis Alfonso Dau & Randall Morck & Bernard Yin Yeung, 2021. "Business groups and the study of international business: A Coasean synthesis and extension," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(2), pages 161-211, March.
    3. Kozan, M. Kamil & Wasti, S. Nazli & Kuman, Ayca, 2006. "Management of buyer-supplier conflict: The case of the Turkish automotive industry," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 59(6), pages 662-670, June.
    4. Li‐Ying Huang & Yu‐Luen Ma & Nat Pope, 2012. "Foreign Ownership and Non‐Life Insurer Efficiency in the Japanese Marketplace," Risk Management and Insurance Review, American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 15(1), pages 57-88, March.
    5. Peng, Mike W. & Lee, Seung-Hyun & Tan, J. Justin, 2001. "The keiretsu in Asia: Implications for multilevel theories of competitive advantage," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 7(4), pages 253-276.

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