Beyond the “Japanese Style of Management”? Transformation of the Capitalist Spirit in Japan Today

This article discusses the transformation of the capitalist spirit of Japan by examining the current state of die “Japanese Style of Management” (JSM). Although criticism of JSM is prevalent and various reform bills have been presented in recent years, many questions have been raised as to whether or not reforms are really happening. Here we examine the changing state of the three components of JSM, using recent survey data. In-depth interviews provide another focus, on corporate reform, the changing values and attitudes of entrepreneurs, and their responses to “globalization.” The result of this research shows that even though JSM has been experiencing changes in tune with globalization processes, its culture- bound core elements are changing very slowly. It seems unlikely that JSM will be replaced by a new model in the near future, though Japanese entrepreneurs are trying to adjust to the changing environment.