The japanese management model after world war ii: Kaizen, Toyota, and the «economic miracle» of the 1950s and 1980s

Abstract

The article analyzes the formation of the Japanese management model in the post-war period of the 1950s and 1980s and its role in the formation of the so-called «Japanese economic miracle». Special attention is paid to the kaizen philosophy, which focuses on continuous process improvement, staff involvement, and waste management. Based on the experience of Toyota Corporation, key elements of the Toyota production system are considered, including lean manufacturing and the Kanban system, which radically changed approaches to labor organization and quality management. It is shown how the combination of cultural characteristics of Japanese society, long-term business orientation, and management innovations has made it possible to achieve high productivity, flexibility, and competitiveness in global markets. Special attention is paid to the influence of the Japanese model on the development of global management, its principles in Western companies, and criticism related to work stress and vulnerability to external shocks.