Japanese Management Approaches: The Fit for Project Management

Abstract

The last twenty years have shown increased interest in and appreciation for Japanese management principles and practices. While management literature has gained and appropriated a number of insights from Japanese practices, project management has yet to sufficiently recognize the benefits that can accrue from Japanese practices. This article highlights the needs of project management, and shows how the particular needs of this discipline are particularly well-suited for Japanese approaches. Japanese emphases on teams, informal relationships, role flexibility and dynamic structures fit the peculiar needs of project management. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]