The Attributes of Japanese CEOs: Can they be Trained?

The attributes and qualifications required by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Japan are described. The “life‐long employment” practice, whereby promotion occurs only in strict seniority order, still prevails. However, the Japanese are beginning to recognise some of the advantages of the Western approach of employing managers from other companies in order to gain the required expertise. Within this cultural background, the question of training for CEOs is discussed and the changing nature of training themes is noted.