Small Firms in the Japanese Economy [Paperback]

D. H. Whittaker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 1999

Now in paperback, this book considers the role of small firms in the Japanese economy and challenges established views of the Japanese economy, society and political economy. In contrast to Japan's giant corporations, relatively little is known about its small firms. This is so despite their vital contribution to the economy. This book 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. It provides a unique and statistically rich survey.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This densly packed volume is a very valuable contribution to our growing, but still limited, knowledge of small manufacturing firms in Japan....Both scholars and policymakers can profit from reading this book....Whittaker's account is the most valuable analysis of small business in Japan currently available in English, complementing and going beyond David Friedman's analysis of Sakaki and providing both more depth and breadth than Penelope Franck's survey of small business development across the nation....Small Firms in the Japanese Economy is a sophisticated account which I hope will find a large audience." Mansel G. Blackford, H-NET BOOK REVIEW

"The book clearly adds to the growing literature on small business. The result of Whittaker's book is a well-written, well-supported by reliable empirical evidence, and thoroughly researched manucript on a dynamic, albeit maturing, Asian economy." Mark Goh, Journal of Asian Business

...this is a well-researched and stimulating book. It is highly recommended, not only to devotees of Japanese industrial trends, but to all those interested in Japan's modern economic and social development." Pacific Affairs

"...a useful and readable introduction to the small firms that dominate everyday life in Japan." Michael Smitka, American Journal of Sociology

Book Description

Now in paperback, this book considers the role of small firms in the Japanese economy and challenges established views of the Japanese economy, society and political economy. In contrast to Japan's giant corporations, relatively little is known about its small firms. This is so despite their vital contribution to the economy. This book 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. It provides a unique and statistically rich survey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521664713
• ISBN-13: 978-0521664714
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,099,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small firms and human beings, November 2, 2000

By 

Mark Halpern (Tokyo Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Small Firms in the Japanese Economy (Hardcover)

This is a very rich account of the role of Japanese small firms in the economy at large and in the lives of the people who make them work. Mr. Whittaker obviously understands much both about Japan and about human motivation. The focus on the latter will very much help anyone seeking to make cross-border comparisons. (There are a few portions the general reader will want to skip over, and so he/she should do just that.)