TECHNIQUE AND SYSTEM - THE SPREAD OF JAPANESE MANAGEMENT-TECHNIQUES TO DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES

In this paper a distinction is drawn between the isolated use of indiv idual Japanese management techniques and their adoption in an integrat ed package as part of a production system. Although the use of individ ual techniques does confer significant benefits to innovating firms, i t is clear from international experience that the major gains arise fr om systemic application. The central objective of this paper is to exp lore whether there are obstacles specific to less-developed countries (LDCs) in the systemic application of Japanese management techniques. The major forces driving the adoption of these new management techniqu es are reviewed, based upon research in Latin America, India and Zimba bwe. Then three major LDC-specific factors affecting systemic adoption are considered-human resources, interfirm cooperation and management.