Leaving Lean? Recent Changes in the Production Organization of some Japanese Car Plants
- 1 February 1996
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Economic and Industrial Democracy
- Vol. 17 (1) , 9-38
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x96171002
Abstract
Labour market shortages in Japan have reportedly led car manufacturers to change the well-known lean production system into a more 'worker-friendly' system. Based on empirical material and secondary sources, an overview of measures taken by Toyota, Nissan, Honda and Mazda is presented. Among other things, it is concluded that Toyota seems to have adopted some significant and enduring changes in its production policy. The measures, the likelihood that they will be continued and the influence of Western production concepts on them are discussed.Keywords
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