East-West!

Are Eastern and Western management philosophy competitors or are they complementary ? Well, it might take a lifetime to find out and still there will be lot to discover.



The West encourages individualism, East emphasizes the relationship between individuals. Undue attention to individualism means you take charge, and leave others out of the picture. Attention to relationships means you 'connect' with your surroundings and move with others.

Seems evolution of the Western values have favored being in touch with oneself while those of the East have favored being in touch with others. Americans negotiate contracts, while Asians negotiate relationships. In the West, people look at systems for mechanical answers. Systems offer direction but not answers, they offer discipline but not commitment, they offer focus but not participation. In balance, both offer advantages.

Japanese management is well-known for group participation and a high level of productivity. But at its extreme, business based solely on relationships lacks accountability.

Dont know how true is this story but an interesting one. An employee was under-performing at a Japaneese plant. He was promoted and made supervisor of other employees working there. His performance improved. No prize for guessing what would have happened to him at any US plant !