Kultur als Determinante der Wirtschaft? Unternehmensphilosophien in Japan (Does culture influence the economy? Corporate philosophies in Japan)

The present work is concerned with cultural values and their influence
on economic phenomena. It is based on an interdisciplinary framework
drawing on economics, cultural anthropology, organization culture
studies, and psychology. Based on a discussion of culture concepts and
on various approaches dealing with the cultural influence on the
economy, the theoretical part focuses on organization cultures.

Japan’s corporate philosophies as a cultural form of
expression of corporations are at the center of attention. Culturally
formed elements of the ideology of corporate personalities as well as
corporate strategies are expressed by corporate philosophies. There is
a traditional historic foundation of corporate philosophies in Japan.
In addition, these philosophies are more widespread and deep-rooted in
Japan than in Europe or the United States.

The author identifies various key terms by examinating three case
studies on corporate identity, including Matsushita, Honda, and Toyota.
They serve as a basis for the subsequent content analysis of thirty
Japanese corporate philosophies. It is hypothesized that
internationally and globally acting Japanese corporations are less
influenced by Japanese culture than nationally acting corporations.
Fifteen Nikkei 225-listed (First Section) corporations and fifteen
Second Section-listed corporations are examined in order to test this
hypothesis.

The examination shows that small corporations are indeed less
internationally oriented, and that they rather highlight traditional
cultural elements. The traditionally established notions of Japanese
culture are, on the other hand, less prominent. Japanese corporations
that are influenced by external processes can be understood as sources
of cultural change. The author finally observes a process of change
from a traditionally defined to a rather international Japanese culture.