Assessing manufacturing/quality culture and practices in Asian companies

This article uses data collected from direct observations made during visits to over 20 Asian companies over a period of four years (1992‐1995) and discusses the culture and managerial approaches of companies located in Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. The main objective of these visits was to provide the participants the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the management approaches of internationally competitive manufacturing companies located in Asia and to gain an understanding of “World Best Practice” for a range of manufacturing/quality management methods and technologies. In this paper we present our overall observations relating to such factors as mission and purpose, culture of the organisation and consistency of purpose and of management. The evidence suggests, for example, that Asian companies have a long‐term vision and mission which is focused on benefiting mankind and a dedication to developing the knowledge, skills and health of the general community as well as their employees.