LEAVING LEAN - RECENT CHANGES IN THE PRODUCTION ORGANIZATION OF SOME JAPANESE CAR PLANTS

Labour market shortages in Japan have reportedly led car manufacturers to change the well-known lean production system into a more 'worker-f riendly' system. Based on empirical material and secondary sources, an overview of measures taken by Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mazda is pres ented. Among other things, it is concluded that Toyota seems to have a dopted some significant and enduring changes in its production policy. The measures, the likelihood that they will be continued and the infl uence of Western production concepts on them are discussed.