Training as a Major Factor in Japanese Economic Success Available to Purchase

Much of the abundant literature seeking to explain Japanese economic success focuses on management practices. That certain managerial methods, unique to Japan, and having deep roots in indigenous culture, have been primarily responsible for the country's spectacular economic performance is generally acknowledged in the United States and Europe. It is also appreciated that most of these methods cannot be implemented in an alien environment. Training and its role in Japanese productivity and quality, however, has not received the attention it deserves. Yet, Japanese training practices may prove to be less culturebound as compared with other management tools and, consequently, more capable of being transferred to the Western socio‐cultural milieu.