Title: Business ethics in Japan

Authors: Robert Hsu

Addresses: Clark University, USA

Abstract: This essay discusses the group orientation of Japanese business and its pragmatic decision making. It is argued that while group orientation fosters loyalty and cooperation, it has also led to exclusivity, discrimination against outsiders, and the pressure to conform. Pragmatic decision making gives flexibility but can lead to lack of principle and abuses. Since the early 1990s, however, traditional business values and practices have been changing because of changing circumstances.

Keywords: business ethics; Japan; decision making; Japanese management; business values; business practices.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.1999.006142

Global Business and Economics Review, 1999 Vol.1 No.2, pp.158 - 163

Published online: 07 Feb 2005 *

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