A Framework for Successful Adoption and Performance of Japanese Manufacturing Practices in the United States

Abstract

Japanese manufacturing practices are being implemented widely in the United States. However, firms are experiencing a variety of problems, indicating that these methods may have only limited success in the U.S. manufacturing environment. I suggest that modifications to both Japanese manufacturing practices and features of the U.S. manufacturing environment should be made before Japanese practices can be successfully adopted and performed. A framework for research is developed from which testable propositions are derived.