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Article
Publication date: 7 February 2014

Hiroshi Takeda and Trevor Boyns

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the “Kyocera approach” to business, i.e. the relationship between the Kyocera philosophy, the amoeba management system…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the “Kyocera approach” to business, i.e. the relationship between the Kyocera philosophy, the amoeba management system (AMS) and the associated management accounting system.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising a variety of secondary sources, including semi-autobiographical works written by Inamori, the architect of AMS, the authors examine in detail the links between the underlying Kyocera philosophy and the management and accounting principles derived therefrom. These sources are used to examine the historical origins of these principles, their influence on both the AMS and the management accounting system, and how these have developed over time.

Findings

Both the AMS and the associated management accounting system can be shown to contain a mixture of influences, including traditional Asian/Japanese factors, but also Inamori/Kyocera-specific factors linked to Inamori's underlying philosophical approach to life and specific life experiences encountered by him. This suggests that while the Kyocera approach may be applicable more widely in Japan or Asia, outside of this context, the conflicts between Western and Asian cultures, although not necessarily insurmountable, may provide barriers leading to incomplete applications of the Kyocera approach

Originality/value

This study adds to the understanding of the interrelationship between management philosophy and management accounting practices, and the ability of individuals to determine culture within organisations. It illustrates the importance of historical research in obtaining a detailed understanding of the philosophical, cultural and religious underpinnings of current management and accounting practices.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Moses Segbenya, George Kwaku Toku Oduro, Fred Peniana and Kwesi Ghansah

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the proximity of study centres to the students of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast (CoDE/UCC) and whether…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the proximity of study centres to the students of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast (CoDE/UCC) and whether further studies of distance learners who were teachers and employees could lead to absenteeism in their workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential explanatory strategy was used. A self-administered questionnaire and unstructured interviews as well as observation guides were employed to collect data from 2,077 students pursuing business and education programmes of CoDE in all study centres across Ghana. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and pattern matching of content analysis.

Findings

The study found that few teachers and other workers pursuing the distance education do absent themselves from the workplace or classroom on Fridays preceding their face-to-face session because they embarked on their journey to the study centres on Friday morning. Some teachers also absented themselves from work on Mondays after face-to-face sessions for a lack of means of transport on Sunday after lessons. The absenteeism of these respondents directly and indirectly affected their employers, students and customers.

Practical implications

It was therefore recommended that management of CoDE/UCC should open more study centres in all the regions especially Western, Ashanti, Upper East, Northern and Upper West Regions to reduce number of hours spent by students to their study centres and consider introducing the business programmes at the existing district centres to reduce average distance covered by these students to commute from their places of work to their respective centres in the regional capitals. It was also recommended that online/electronic learning and audio versions (impersonal communication) of the study modules should be introduced so that students would not necessary have to travel to the study centre to participate in lectures/face-to-face sessions.

Originality/value

The findings of this study will help managers and administrators of both public and private distance educational providers. In addition to providing basis and areas for establishing study centres for geographical proximity, findings of the study should prove helpful for designing and delivering electronic and audio versions of distance education modules to reduce the level of absenteeism in workplace for the students.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Corporate Governance and Business Ethics in Iceland: Studies on Contemporary Governance and Ethical Dilemmas
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-533-5

Article
Publication date: 19 March 2018

Dan Zhang

This research aims to investigate whether and how differences may exist in children’s preferences of package design across cultures, with a focus on three aspects of package…

1067

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to investigate whether and how differences may exist in children’s preferences of package design across cultures, with a focus on three aspects of package design: curvilinearity, figurativeness and complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

A large-scale questionnaire survey has been conducted in a face-to-face setting in the USA and China, generating valid responses from 763 American children and 837 Chinese children of age 3-12 years.

Findings

Unlike previous findings among adults, children from both cultures were found to unanimously prefer curved package design. Nevertheless, Chinese children showed greater preferences for figurative and complex package design than American children; these tendencies increased with age, suggesting significant age–culture interactions.

Research limitations/implications

The surprising finding of the lack of cultural difference in children’s preferences of curved package design suggests that such cultural preferences established in studies of adults may not emerge through time via cultural/social learning until after age 12. The limited cultures, stimuli and factors included in the study call for replications of the study in more realistic and broader settings.

Practical implications

The findings provide package design guidelines for consumer product marketers and designers/innovators targeting the Chinese and American children’s markets. Curved package designs are preferred by children from both cultures. Nevertheless, marketers should choose figurative and complex package design in accordance with the target children’s age and cultural background.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited empirical consumer behavior research on package design, especially that of children’s products. It also extends the literature on cultural psychology, experimental aesthetics and developmental psychology.

Details

Journal of Consumer Marketing, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0736-3761

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2016

Abhishek and Shravan Hemchand

This paper aims to explain the applications of sensor-based communication in mobile marketing and how understanding its fast growth is important for marketers.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the applications of sensor-based communication in mobile marketing and how understanding its fast growth is important for marketers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from various examples used by companies in India and abroad to explain the phenomenon of sensor-based communication in mobile marketing.

Findings

Marketers should be aware of the different ways in which sensor-based communication can be used to build and sustain customer engagement.

Practical implications

The different typologies of applications of sensor-based communication, along with examples, will help the marketers to develop similar initiatives for their brands/products.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to illustrate, explain and exhort the usage of sensor-based communication in the Indian context.

Details

Journal of Indian Business Research, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4195

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2013

Check‐Teck Foo

The aim of this paper is to illustrate how scholars may adopt a multi‐method – not just multidisciplinary – approach on research on conflict management. Taking the Diaoyu Islands…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to illustrate how scholars may adopt a multi‐method – not just multidisciplinary – approach on research on conflict management. Taking the Diaoyu Islands as a case, the author draws on literature from management, political sciences, war, military studies, history, etymology and culture. In the process, the author deepens, enriches and expands the Thomas‐Kilman (T‐K) model for mapping out possible solutions in resolving conflicts: not just between people at workplaces but for between states as well. For instance, the author explains why the Diaoyu Islands conflict, if not amicably resolved may well lead to obliteration (integrated as part of the model) in resolving the conflict via a nuclear outbreak. Third World War may just be sparked off with Russia aligned with China against Japan and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Of all the issues in management, conflict management is the most culturally embedded. Through a multi‐method approach, the author illuminates the complexity of the Diaoyu Islands case. Literature from past empirical war studies are reviewed to suggest the geography of the islands (proximity, borderless, richness of resources) makes war highly probable. Past Chinese‐Japanese hatred (utilizing visual imagery), antagonism and guanxi are reviewed in exploring their impacts on outcomes (see model). Etymological research is attempted using English, Japanese and Chinese words, characters and pictograms that are related to concepts within the T‐K model. To better grasp how young Chinese feel towards the Diaoyu Islands and the Japanese, the author conducted some field research in Harbin, China. The continuing Chinese angst against Japanese is explained through war imagery: there remains in young Chinese an unquenchable thirst for exacting revenge on the Japanese. In a search to uncover ways of resolving the dispute, a further, extended study is undertaken on ancient Chinese pictograms: for example, whether a 5,000 years old Chinese concept of compromise zhe zhong (Graphic 1; oracular bones) or splitting into halves may be relevant. The role of time in conflict management is discussed in relation to the Diaoyu Islands.

Findings

By providing the WWII visual imagery as a backdrop to Chinese‐Japanese antagonism, the author explains to readers why the Diaoyu Islands is such a complex case to resolve. Also in his fieldwork, he highlights that the younger Chinese are as equally indignant about Japanese unethical grabbing, “thieving” behaviour. In their minds, such behaviour harks back to the blatant seizure of Manchuria and Japanese puppetry of Manchukuo. Through the Diaoyu Islands case, the T‐K model and theory of conflict management is broadened, enriched and enhanced. The paper illustrates how in conflicts that involve cultures are very different from the West, for instance very ancient civilizations like China and India, authors should take a multi‐method approach and explore the issues and search for solutions far more deeply.

Originality/value

Very few scholars seek to integrate the two streams of research in resolving conflict as illustrated through this paper: management and social sciences (e.g. political sciences, military and war studies). Conflict is about people and therefore integral use of multi‐methods needs to be used.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1988

I. Matsuda

Copper‐clad polyimide glass laminates that pass the GPY/Polyimide Specifications of IPC‐L‐108A have been developed using the Michael reaction of bismaleimide and m‐aminophenol…

Abstract

Copper‐clad polyimide glass laminates that pass the GPY/Polyimide Specifications of IPC‐L‐108A have been developed using the Michael reaction of bismaleimide and m‐aminophenol. The addition reaction of m‐aminophenol to N‐phenylmaleimide has been confirmed from NMR, IR, and ultimate analysis. The peel strength of copper‐clad laminates is 1·8–2·0 kg/cm. The coefficient of expansion in the Z direction (25°C–246°C) is 0·96%. The glass transition temperature with post‐curing for an hour at 250°C is about 295°C. Water absorption by IPC‐L‐108A is 0·25%.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1986

Norihiko Suzuki

Many Japanese companies still retain seniority‐oriented promotion as the basis of their personnel management. One of its most significant characteristics is that rank and age…

Abstract

Many Japanese companies still retain seniority‐oriented promotion as the basis of their personnel management. One of its most significant characteristics is that rank and age co‐vary — the older the employee, the higher he is expected to be promoted in the company. Up to the age of 35 the Genten principle applies, involving slow but steady promotion, where junior managers are allowed to make mistakes as a necessary part of training. After the age of 35, the Tokuten principle applies. The manager enters a system where only merit and abilities allow further promotion. In order to be successful a Japanese manager is typically forced to alter his behaviour from that of a conformist to a self‐actualiser as his position goes up the promotional ladder. In the American business organisation, the single, over‐riding principle for promotion is the Tokuten principle — the US businessman has only to prove his merit to be promoted. Many American companies as well as the US‐Japanese joint ventures operating in the US claim that they are to adopt the life‐long employment and seniority‐oriented promotion system in their companies. However, the general trend in the Japanese business community is clearly moving towards the merit‐oriented system with increasingly less emphasis on life‐long employment. Typical Japanese career development and current changes in the promotion system are discussed.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 5 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2007

Xinjian Li and Martin Putterill

To identify characteristics of Japanese business culture that differ from China, particularly in the dimensions of ‘high context’ versus ‘low context’’ and collectivism versus…

11061

Abstract

Purpose

To identify characteristics of Japanese business culture that differ from China, particularly in the dimensions of ‘high context’ versus ‘low context’’ and collectivism versus individualism.

Design/methodology/approach

Application of the concepts in cross‐culture research suggested by Hall (1976), Hofstede (1980) and Trompenaar and Hampden‐Turner (1998) and on the base of comprehensive field visits and observation undertaken in China and Japan over the past several years.

Findings

The Japanese culture can be characterized as highly tacit and group‐centered, whereas Chinese culture is more explicit and individualistic.

Research limitations/implications

Arguably the absence of a large body of supporting data represents a limitation in the methodology of this article. Future survey based research and further conceptualization on different kinds of collectivisms and individualisms will supplement this article.

Practical implications

Very useful advice in aspects of communication, human relations management, recruitment, and management control systems for international business management developing business opportunities in Japan and China.

Originality/value

This article elucidates the differences in business culture between Japan and China and shows to the global business community that a differentiated view of international business management in Japan and China is necessary.

Details

Business Strategy Series, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-5637

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 5 May 2017

Hitoshi Sato

This study considers the structure of PISA penetration into education policy through a comparative analysis of Japan and Norway. Many studies on PISA’s impact tend to emphasize…

Abstract

This study considers the structure of PISA penetration into education policy through a comparative analysis of Japan and Norway. Many studies on PISA’s impact tend to emphasize the character of PISA result as a norm, such as the concept of “governance by comparison.” This study regards PISA as a norm of educational contents and analyzes the structure of PISA penetration into educational contents policy, with respect to the national curriculum. In describing the situations around PISA in the two countries, the background of the acceptance of PISA, the nature of national curriculum in education policy and its character, and the structure of PISA penetration with the focus being on how PISA is integrated into the national curriculum are analyzed through related documents and literatures. As a result of comparative analysis, three common features are found. First of all, PISA penetration occurred in the context of “PISA Shock” since the importance of PISA itself was recognized. Second, the system of management by objectives was included in the educational system and PISA penetrated into that system as objectives. Third, in relation with this second point, PISA as a norm of educational contents was integrated into existing educational goals or subjects. These features are evident only in the comparison of two countries, so a deeper analysis of PISA penetration will be needed in a future study.

Details

The Impact of the OECD on Education Worldwide
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-539-3

Keywords

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