The Investment Motivation, Strategy, and Structure of Japanese Manufacturing Subsidiaries in the United States: An Exploratory Interview-based Study

The Investment Motivation, Strategy, and Structure of Japanese Manufacturing Subsidiaries in the United States: An Exploratory Interview-based Study
Author: Manuel Gelacio Serapio (Jr)
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 1990
Genre:
ISBN:

This dissertation is exploratory in nature and has three objectives: (1) to describe the investment motivation, strategy, and structure of Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in the United States, (2) to compare the investment behavior, strategy, and structure of Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in terms of their industry affiliation, size, and timing of entry into the United States, and (3) to explore possible relationships between the strategy and structure of Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in the United States. Data were collected from the author's personal interviews of thirty-six executives from twenty-seven Japanese manufacturing subsidiaries in the United States between December 1988 and February 1989. The sample companies had thirty-three plants in three industries: (1) transportation equipment, (2) electronics/electrical equipment, and (3) industrial/commercial machinery and computer equipment. Some of the important findings of this study are as follows: (1) some of the most significant factors influencing the Japanese companies' decision to invest in the United States were the large U.S. market, currency fluctuation, the presence or threat of trade restrictions, and pressures from competitors or customers; (2) most of the sample companies emphasized production or sales growth, localization, and expansion or protection of market share in their goal setting; (3) most sample companies maintained multiple linkages with general management or functional departments, or both, in the parent company; and (4) the parent company relied upon personal control in overseeing the operations of their U.S. subsidiary. The study found several important differences in the investment motivation, strategy, and structure of Japanese companies from different industries, and among companies of different sizes and ages. Both Chandler's thesis that "structure follows strategy," and Fayerweather's paradigm of "unification vs. fragmentation" offer useful paradigms to explain the relationships between some aspects of the sample companies' strategy and structure.

Japanese Direct Manufacturing Investment in the United States

Japanese Direct Manufacturing Investment in the United States
Author: Mamoru Yoshida
Publisher: Praeger
Total Pages: 248
Release: 1987
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

The dramatic increase of Japanese direct manufacturing investment in the United States since the 1970s has brought with it many questions about the Japanese investment decision-making process. Japanese Direct Manufacturing in the United States is the first book to investigate this process, explaining the behavior of both the micro- and macro-level actors involved in it and examining such issues as government-business interaction. Based on interviews with Japanese executives and government officials, this book provides an up-to-date and intensive look at this investment phenomenon for Japanese and American policymakers as well as researchers and students interested in Japanese multinational business.

Zaibatsu America

Zaibatsu America
Author: Robert L. Kearns
Publisher:
Total Pages: 280
Release: 1992
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

An examination of Japanese interests in American industry shows how major Japanese conglomerates have targeted vital parts of industry for investment.

Corporate Strategy & Structure

Corporate Strategy & Structure
Author: John Vandenbrink
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. (116 So. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60603) : Chicago Council on Foreign Relations
Total Pages: 144
Release: 1983
Genre: Industrial management
ISBN:

Small Town, Giant Corporation

Small Town, Giant Corporation
Author: James F. Hettinger
Publisher:
Total Pages: 226
Release: 1994
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

Small Town, Giant Corporation traces the maturation of the profession of economic development as applied to Japanese manufacturing investment in the United States. The book is a case study of the wooing and eventual location of a Japan-based global auto parts producer in a small Midwestern community. The study considers motivations for Japanese investment, location patterns, and the adaptation of Japanese-owned companies to U.S. communities and business conditions. Economic development experts and other observers will find that the story of the successful interface between a global giant from Japan and a small Midwestern community forms an education case study of drawing and managing foreign investment. Contributors include Charles Bartha, Durene Booher, Randall Brock, Takeshi "Dennis" Doi, Richard Florida, Cynthia Fridgen, Michael Gagnon, Dr. Peter Kobrack, Edwin Matthewson, Michio "Henry" Ohiwa, Kazuhiro "Ben" Ohta, Mamoru Tanabe.