Since the first edition, Japanese investment in Britain and British managers' interest in their management techniques has continued to develop. The second edition of this important book brings practising managers and academics up-to-date on the social and economic impact of the developments. It presents new survey evidence and summarizes the debate which has emerged on the subject of Japanization since the mid 1980s.

* Describes the emergence and operation of Japanese industrial practice in Japan.
* Presents a detailed description and analysis of attempts by companies to emulate aspects of Japanese management - especially manufacturing systems.
* Examines the obstacles to Japanization.
* Considers the implications for work organization, employee relations, and supplier and retailer relations.
* Special attention is given to the response of the British trade union movement to japanization and the policy implications of the whole phenomenon.

Nick Oliver is a lecturer in Management Studies at the Judge Institute of Management Studies, University of Cambridge. Prior to joining Cambridge, he spent seven years at the Cardiff Business School. His research interests include Japanese Management Systems, both in terms of How they operate in Japan and are being emulated in the West, employee ownership, and processes of commitment and control in organizations.

Barry Wilkinson is Professor in Human Resource Management at the Cardiff Business School. He has published widely in the areas of industrial and organisational sociology. His experience covers human resources development, and management in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the impact of Japanese direct investment in the UK.

List of Figures.

List of Tables.

Foreword.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction.

1. Western Interest in Japan.

2. Japanese Industrial Practice.

3. Theoretical Perspectives.

4. Case Studies in Emulation.

5. Manufacturing Practices and UK Companies.

6. Personnel Practices and UK Companies.

7. Suppliers, Retailers and UK Companies.

8. Cases: Three Japanese Companies in the UK.

9. Japanese Companies in Britain.

10. Industrial Relations and Trade Unions.

11. Policy Implications and Conclusions.