Toyota Culture – A Peek Behind Toyota’s Unique Culture Of Contradictions That Drives Them Forwards http://myfinancetimes.com/2008/06/19/contradictions-drive-toyota-forward/
Summary: Toyota’s communications with employees reflects it’s culture of interdependence. The company encourages innovation in their employees by imposing contradictions and stresses the importance of social networking. The article elaborates on a few of its key contradictions, which includes:
- Toyota has a strict hierarchy, but it allows employees to push back
- Toyota moves at a snails pace, but at the same time manages giant leaps.
- Toyota is highly efficient yet uses it’s time in seemingly wasteful ways.
- Toyota is frugal, but is ready to splurge on key areas.
- A paradox: Simple communication co-existing with a complex social network.
Japan has bred some of the world’s most profitable and respected companies. Playing into the strategy of corporate contradictions might be worth a trial for some firms. But just remember, one size doesn’t always fit all.
One Comment
I agree that the article was useful showing how toyota and its employees work together although it may not be the most efficient ways. I also found it very odd that toyota says they give their employees power through innovation, yet they seem to contradict that in many ways.