This study is an extension of research which links top management team characteristics and the use of a variety of business strategies. Agency theory and information processing…
Abstract
This study is an extension of research which links top management team characteristics and the use of a variety of business strategies. Agency theory and information processing theory provided the framework used to investigate the complex business strategies of 219 Japanese firms in four sectors. Statistical results support our view that top team characteristics reflect important aspects of the corporate governance strategies needed to manage business strategies such as specialization, diversification and internationalization. Although there are substantial institutional differences in the business environments, it appears that there is increasing convergence in the Japanese and American approaches to corporate governance.
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This paper presents the AIPD approach to the evaluation of commercial Web sites within or across borders. The author explains how benchmarking techniques can be used to compare…
Abstract
This paper presents the AIPD approach to the evaluation of commercial Web sites within or across borders. The author explains how benchmarking techniques can be used to compare attracting, informing, positioning, and delivering (AIPD) strategies of Web sites in order to clarify strategic opportunities or advantages. The AIPD model is then used to compare the Internet strategies of some Japanese and American banks. Results show that Japanese banks have created more dynamic and content rich Internet environments than their American counterparts. Cultural and institutional differences are given for the contrasting approaches to Web design, information and service delivery.
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Presents the AIPD approach to the evaluation of commercial Web sites within or across borders. Looks at firms in the software sector and uses the model’s benchmarking techniques…
Abstract
Presents the AIPD approach to the evaluation of commercial Web sites within or across borders. Looks at firms in the software sector and uses the model’s benchmarking techniques to compare the informing, positioning, and delivering strategies of Web sites. Shows how these factors boosted the branding potential of the Web sites. In a comparison of the Internet strategies of Japanese and US software firms, results showed that US firms created more dynamic and innovative Internet environments. Gives market, cultural and institutional differences for the contrasting approaches to Web design, information and service delivery.
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Roblyn Simeon, Joel D. Nicholson and Yim Yu Wong
Uses the research of Dorfman and Howell’s work‐related cultural value scale to measure masculinity versus femininity across the USA, Japan and China. Attempts to contrast gender…
Abstract
Uses the research of Dorfman and Howell’s work‐related cultural value scale to measure masculinity versus femininity across the USA, Japan and China. Attempts to contrast gender role typing attitudes. Describes how men in each country had significantly differing attitudes to the role of women in the workforce whilst women were found to be less willing to accept roles based on gender. Highlights clear differences between each country.
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Japan is well known for having a strong stakeholder environment. However, a more than ten‐year recession and globalization pressures have put a strain on many aspects of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Japan is well known for having a strong stakeholder environment. However, a more than ten‐year recession and globalization pressures have put a strain on many aspects of the country's approach to corporate governance. The main goal of this paper is to investigate institutional change by examining the perceptions and expectations of an important stakeholder in the Japanese corporate governance arena.
Design/methodology/approach
In this bottom‐up approach to corporate governance analysis, surveys were collected on employees’ perceptions of national and firm level developments in order to verify to what extent their views had an impact on their career management attitudes. Factor analysis and multiple regression techniques were used to test a number of research propositions.
Findings
The results showed that although there is still strong support for a within‐company success orientation (stakeholder view) in Japan, there are a growing number of employees who prefer a personal career success orientation (shareholder view) in Japan. Research limitations/implications – Since this is a cross‐sectional study of the career management orientation of Japanese employees, future research should examine these developments over time to confirm the long‐term direction of change in the business practices.
Practical implications
Human resource managers, recruiters, and firms in general need to reevaluate their views of the future career management attitudes of Japanese employees.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the global convergence‐divergence debate in corporate governance practices. It can also be considered as an important examination of the process of de‐institutionalization of local business practices.
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Studies have reported a strong correlation between expatriate failure and spouse adjustment in foreign assignments. Since Japanese firms have been relatively successful at…
Abstract
Studies have reported a strong correlation between expatriate failure and spouse adjustment in foreign assignments. Since Japanese firms have been relatively successful at minimizing executive failure rates, we examined the pre‐departure preparation and attitudes of Japanese spouses in the Silicon Valley area. Factor analysis and regression were used to test a number of hypotheses. Our study found that pre‐departure activities and attitudes had a significant effect on the post‐arrival adjustment of the spouses. We also found that Japanese spouses were able to take advantage of both personal and non‐personal sources at home and abroad for effective information gathering.
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To investigate the degree to which products, images, and activities associated with a popular culture supports and sustains brands associated with that culture, with particular…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the degree to which products, images, and activities associated with a popular culture supports and sustains brands associated with that culture, with particular reference to global Japanese brands.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire‐based survey of 638 respondents in and around San Francisco. Only a third were American, the remainder originating from several countries in Europe, South America and Asia. Roughly four fifths were under 35 years of age, and the gender balance reflected the general population. Questions gathered data relevant to four specific research propositions, which were interpreted by regression analysis.
Findings
Results provided good support for two research propositions, that that a wider range of experience of the manifestations of Japanese popular culture would enhance the tendency to prefer related brands, and that a favourable view of the national culture would increase the likelihood of a positive orientation to brands associated with it. They were equivocal with respect to the other two, that positive views of the culture would transfer to brands associated with it, and that age would influence receptiveness to cultural influences.
Research limitations/implications
An exploratory study, in a single location, of the association between one national culture and its exported brands. The underpinning model suggests directions for future research into an important phenomenon.
Practical implications
Relating brands closely to national cultures promises synergy in marketing strategy, provided plans are informed by appropriate marketing intelligence.
Originality/value
Offers potentially valuable insights into branding, country‐of‐origin effects, and the influence of an overt national culture on acceptance of its internationally marketed brands.