Complexity in technology management: Theoretical analysis and case study of automobile sector in Japan

In this article, a theoretical analysis on the various issues related to te chnology management under growing complexity is provided. We put forward a model classifying complex situations, including technology management on a two dimensional space, i.e., object-related and human-related complexity. T he point on the grid depends on factors related to external and internal co mplexity as well as conflict of interests by the actors. By analyzing compl exity involved in technology management using this framework, we may extrac t crucial dimensions of technology management. Finally, we provide a case s tudy on the strategies of the Japanese automobile sector, by mainly focusin g on the technological perspective. The chosen companies were Toyota, Nissa n, Honda, Mitsubishi Motors, and Mazda. The factors related to the growing complexity in technology management were both technological and non-technol ogical in nature. An analysis of the rare and direction of competence build ing based on parent data confirmed that the companies have been building co mpetences in key areas related to safety, environment, and driving comfort over a decade to meet changing social expectations and environmental pressu res. The analysis shows that the automobile sector has been undergoing radi cal changes due to growing internal and external complexity. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science Inc.