The Environmental Texture of Seafood Distribution in Japan

Abstract

A startegic management approach is used to assess the nature of business environments affecting seafood distribution in Japan. Notions of environment ‘textures’ described in an influential paper by Emery and Trist are used to determine the current degree of environmental turbulence and the implications for export strategies. The environment as a whole is found to exhibit ‘medium turbulence’, and the sectors of importing, wholesaling, and food retailing/service are ‘medium’ to ‘high’ turbulence'. To cope with such environments, firms must undertake extensive real‐time market research (e.g. using POS information accessed via computer); develop flexible structures and operating systems (to become more responsive); and focus on improving communication and meeting the changing customer needs.

Citation

Williams, S. (1993), "The Environmental Texture of Seafood Distribution in Japan", Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 3-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb010251