Title: An empirical study on relation between management styles and human resource development focusing on a group activity

Authors: Ken Kitazawa; Hiroshi Osada

Addresses: Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training (JILPT), 4-8-23, Kamishakujii, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, 177-8502, Japan. ' Tokyo Institute of Technology, 3-3-6 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0023, Japan

Abstract: This research analyses human resource development (HRD) by a group activity in a business organisation. Among many types of group activities, the study focuses on a quality control circle (QCC) activity. As an analysis perspective, relation between management styles and capability development is tested. According to differences on group members' composition or differences in a scope of group activity, effectiveness of capability development are analysed. In addition, activities facing with difficulties are focused and common features of these activities are clarified. Based on a result of quantitative and qualitative analysis, implications and guidelines for management of group activities are suggested.

Keywords: group activity; human resource development; HRD; quality control; quality circles; QCC; capability development; motivation; human relationships; knowledge; skill; organisational learning; diversity; cross-organisational activity; quantum leap experience; management styles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2012.048657

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2012 Vol.12 No.3, pp.187 - 206

Received: 22 Aug 2011
Accepted: 07 Mar 2012
Published online: 31 Jul 2014 *

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