Growth through Competition, Competition through Growth: Strategic Management and the Economy in Japan

This book examines two characteristics that lie at the core of Japanese management: growth pursuit by internal investments (as opposed to acquisitions), and the intensive competition within and among Japanese firms. Odagiri also looks at how these firms maintain flexibility and efficiency under the seemingly rigid system of "lifetime" employment. This work begins with an enquiry into the financial and human aspects of the firm, with particular emphasis on its human portion. The motivation, behavior, and organization of Japanese management as well as the consequences of the system on the Japan's industrial organization and economy are explored. Emphasis is placed on the fact that competition is at the center of the Japanese economy and management style to the same, if not a greater, degree as in the West. This competition is enhanced by the growth preference of the Japanese management style and it also, in turn, makes growth possible.