Author(s)

P. Linecar & D. Preston

Abstract

Kaizen: A review of Japanese approaches to I.T. P. Linecar, D. Preston INTRODUCTION This paper examines the differences between Japanese and western business culture, and in particular the role of what is known as the Kaizen (Masaaki Imai 1986) approach to the management of the organisation and its approach to change. Whatever these differences are we suggest that it is well worth trying to understand them, and perhaps to emulate them. Japanese business has enjoyed outstanding success over the last twenty years or so. Whatever our cultural differences it is increasingly recognised that it is worth trying to understand if not to emulate them. Japanese business and its philosophy is increasingly a part of the UK economy, and must be seen not only as an overseas competitor, but more as a domestic r\t~» f* one. The above discussion is general. We intend to be more specific How can the Kaizen approach be used to advantage in the field of information syste

Keywords