Companies must balance "method" and "spirit". Management that relies solely on numbers is risky - Global standards are not the whole answer

Abstract

Summary form only given. There has been much comment about Japanese companies whose management is not following global standards, but this is a misconception. Companies and organizations are groups of people after all, so we must not discount the importance of the human spirit. It is dangerous to follow rules and standards without keeping this in mind. Of course the same can be said for traditional management based solely on unspoken understanding. Fuji Television, Nippon Broadcasting and Livedoor are fitting examples. Good management is not possible when either method or spirit is missing. This also applies when companies launch new products