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Transfer of Japanese-style management to the Czech Republic: the case of Japanese manufacturing firms

Author

Listed:
  • Kaoru Natsuda

    (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)

  • Jan Sýkora

    (Charles University)

  • Jiří Blažek

    (Charles University)

Abstract

This study examines the level of application of Japanese-style management to the Czech Republic from the perspective of hybridization, by employing a survey of Japanese manufacturing firms based in this country. The survey reveals that the Japanese system of production control is strictly enforced, while work organization, labour relations and group consciousness have been—despite targeted practices used by Japanese companies to facilitate application of the Japanese system—largely adapted to the local conditions. Furthermore, this study identifies the transitional process from relying upon Japanese expatriates towards engaging local human resources in the parent-subsidiary relationship. In addition, even though the Japanese-style procurement method is applied with a large number of local suppliers, the local content ratio nevertheless remains relatively low in the Czech Republic. Overall, Japanese manufacturing firms, via their vigorous effort to transfer their distinctive management style, are challenging European business practices and Czech socio-cultural traditions, even though the level of hybridization is strongly variegated according to particular management spheres.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaoru Natsuda & Jan Sýkora & Jiří Blažek, 2020. "Transfer of Japanese-style management to the Czech Republic: the case of Japanese manufacturing firms," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 75-97, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiaeu:v:18:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s10308-019-00534-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10308-019-00534-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hideo Ishida, 1981. "Human Resources Management in Overseas Japanese Firms," Japanese Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 53-81.
    2. Tomasz Majek & Roger Hayter, 2008. "Hybrid Branch Plants: Japanese Lean Production in Poland’s Automobile Industry," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 84(3), pages 333-358, July.
    3. Jos Gamble, 2010. "Transferring Organizational Practices and the Dynamics of Hybridization: Japanese Retail Multinationals in China," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 705-732, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michal Kolmaš, 2023. "Diverging perceptions of the “Visegrad Four + ” format and the limits of the V4 + Japan cooperation," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 21(1), pages 101-116, March.

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    JEL classification:

    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration

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