Changing Japanese management: Is the trend towards western-style management sustainable?

The trend towards Western management styles seems unstoppable after the successes achieved by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., since the appointment of a non-Japanese Chief Executive began its changing management ethos. This led to questions such as "What is so special about Western management? Is Japanese management old-fashioned?" Our findings confirm the positive impact of aspects of Western thinking such as quicker decision-making, clearer lines of responsibility, the replacement of seniority-based wage and promotion systems and the increased motivation of younger employees. However, many firms have resisted the 'westernisation' of their management styles and, instead, have started to emphasise the benefits of Japanese management approaches.