Title: Revitalisation of the Japanese economy: a corporate governance perspective

Authors: Aleksandar Sevic, Zeljko Sevic

Addresses: Newcastle Graduate School of Business, University of Newcastle, University House, Level 3, Cnr Auckland and King Street, Newcastle NSW 2292, Australia. ' The Business School, The University of Greenwhich, Maritime Greenwich Campus, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9LS, London, UK

Abstract: This study examines Japanese restructuring agendas from a corporate governance perspective. The initial analysis of bank-based and market-based systems sets the cornerstone for system convergence, followed by the discussion on bad-debt problems, managerial group entrenchments, unclear monitoring relationships and recent mergers and acquisitions waves. Following La Porta et al. (1998) legal system comparison methodology we conclude that Japan has a good legal framework, but norms, deeply embedded in business practices, obstruct the enforcement. Finally, the comparison across markets, legal and accounting systems provides the general scheme for the functioning of any Japanese company, be it located in Japan or elsewhere.

Keywords: Japanese economy; corporate governance; bank-based systems; market-based systems; convergence; fiduciary capitalism; monitoring; minority shareholders; Japan; Japanese restructuring; legal framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEF.2007.016027

International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance, 2007 Vol.1 No.1, pp.89 - 101

Published online: 02 Dec 2007 *

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