Small firms in the Japanese economy
By: D.H. Whittaker.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 238
Subjects: Small business -- Japan -- Tokyo Metropolitan Area -- Cross-cultural studies.; Small business -- England -- Birmingham -- Cross-cultural studies.; Machinery industry -- Japan -- Tokyo Metropolitan Area -- Cross-cultural studies.; Machinery industry -- England -- Birmingham -- Cross-cultural studies.
Description: Japan's giant corporations are household names and dominate our views of the Japanese economy. In fact, Japan ranks alongside Italy as having the highest proportion of small firms - and employment in them - amongst the OECD countries. These small firms have either been ignored, or they have been treated as appendages of large firms. This book paints a balanced picture based on a unique and statistically rich survey.

It looks at small firms in Japan's leading machine industries, their relations with each other as well as with large firms, and their internal management, employment, and technology dynamics. Paradoxically, in contrast to the 'resurgence' of small firms in other industrialised countries, their number and employment share in Japan are currently in decline. This book explains the reasons why, and challenges established views of the Japanese economy, society, and political economy.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 215-231) and index.