日本陶器にみる科学的管理法の導入と成果

抄録

This paper examines the background of Nippon Toki’s introduction of scientific management, the introduction of the literature of scientific management methods, articles published in general business journals written by one of leaders, the results of improvements at production sites. We also examined the position of Nippon Toki in the scientific management and industrial efficiency movements of the time.

Nippon Toki had early access to literature on scientific management methods, which were advanced management systems at the time, based upon the cooperative relationship between labor and management, organizational climate to motivate employees to improve, and the ability of management and engineers to respond to overseas information and information channels. They introduced summaries of the literature in general business journals and published a long-running series of articles in company newsletters to motivate employees to improve.

The long-term introduction of literature on scientific management and the increased awareness of the need for efficiency led not only to improvements in material handling and equipment at Nippon Toki’s worksites, but also to work improvements and increase in efficiency associated with the introduction of a differential piece-rate system. This has been highly appreciated by outside experts involved in work improvement and efficiency improvement at Nippon Toki.

Thus, the introduction of the scientific management at Nippon Toki was an important case in the history of Japanese business management due to its wide scope of application, the extended period of time required for its diffusion and penetration, the nature of its results, and its involvement in activities to promote the scientific management in Japan. It is a case that should be emphasized in the history of Japanese corporate management.