Japanese+Corporate+Culture

= = = Understanding Japanese Corporate Culture =

Introduction
===After reading "//Learning from the Japanese Economy"// by Lucien Ellington you should have an idea of what problems the Japanese government is presently seeking to remedy. Some of those problems are culturally based. The cultural elements are difficult to change because they have been for so long part of Japanese corporate identity, perhaps even national identity.===

Your mission

 * ===Identify what cultural factors witnessed in the film speak to a possible problem in Japanese corporate culture. Be able to defend your reasons for selecting those pieces of evidence.===
 * ===As a group, generate an 'action plan' that would assist in making the Japanese corporate model more responsive to the challenges of the contemporary global economy.===

How to address the challenge

 * 1) ===Review what you know about the challenges facing Japan's economy. See //"Learning from the Japanese Economy"// for ideas.===
 * 2) ===As you watch the film identify the roles that each of the corporate members holds. That is who are (is) the C.E.O.? The middle management? And the rank and file office worker?===
 * 3) ===Jot down how 'group thinking' is demonstrated by some of the members. What is the sentiment towards those that DO NOT follow the group? (N.B.: Korean corporate culture might also be following this pattern).===
 * 4) ===Jot down what the youngest person represents. Think about his role and possible contribution to making Japan's corporation more responsive to the new global economy.===

Watch this scene from the film //[|Tampopo]//. You might have to watch it more than once. Use earphones if you are watching it in class.
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