The Moral Vision
Working in Unison
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WORKING IN UNISON
US shipbuilders take sixteen months to complete a
50 thousand ton tanker. The Spaniards take even
longer to produce a ship of similar tonnage—24
months. But Japanese shipbuilders do the job in just
eight months.
What is the secret of this Japanese miracle? A
survey conducted by western experts shows that
the deciding factor is teamwork. Japanese workers
and management function together in complete
unison. At no stage during the work processes is
this bond disrupted. The result is the production of
high quality goods within an amazingly short time.
Group harmony is something which is part of the
whole fabric of Japanese culture and work methods.
Whether in the home or in the factory, in large
institutions or small, the will to be cooperative
manifests itself as the truly distinctive feature of the
Japanese character. William Ouchi, an expert in
Japanology writes: “Every activity in Japan is group
activity and not a springboard to individual glory
