Traces of Japanese philosophy in global business practices and personal development
I started working in a Japanese-led company earlier this year and naturally have become a little obsessed with Japanese philosophy, food and culture. Helps that it fits nicely into my pre-existing love for Japanese wood work and asian cuisine in general.
Shockingly, I have since come to find that you can find traces of Japanese philosphy in some well-known and globably accepted concepts like the Agile methodology — an increasingly popular approach in project and product management.
Here are a few examples:
1. Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing, which originated from the Toyota Production System (TPS), is heavily influenced by Japanese philosophy, particularly the concepts of Kaizen (continuous improvement), Muda (waste reduction), Jidoka (automation with a human touch), and Just-in-Time (JIT) production. These principles focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and continuously improving processes, reflecting the Japanese emphasis on harmony, efficiency, and respect for people.
- Example: Many companies worldwide, including automotive giants like Ford and GM, as well as companies in various industries such as healthcare and software development, have adopted lean manufacturing…