The Single Source Issue: U.S. and Japanese Sourcing Strategies

摘要: The Single Source Issue: U.S. and Japanese Sourcing Strategies relationship between buyer seller has been undergoing dramatic changes in many firms. practice of single sourcing--and the close it forges seller--has used as a model by an increasing number firms seeking to reduce better manage their supplier bases. Some have expressed concern that are rushing into sourcing without sufficient consideration differences industrial systems. Yet there is little research support this view. results survey presented article suggest those concerns may be unfounded. also suggests that, despite systems, purchasing practices two countries more similar than realize when comes dealing with suppliers. cofounder Honda Motor Company, Takeo Fujisawa, was once quoted saying "Japanese American management 95 percent same differs all important respects."[1] In general, which Fujisawa referring relate softer side management, managing relationships. A fundamental business anywhere contractor subcontractor--the buyer-seller relationship, managed primarily buying firm's function. For past decade, businesspeople academics assiduously studying approach management. stunning reversal roles, managers ones going Japan notebooks, tape recorders, cameras, voraciously reading any literature available on business. As result, begun shed NIH (not invented here) syndrome, affected United States for far too long. decade 1980s truly "a coming age" community because finally discovered much learn from others, including Japanese. (Perhaps "relearn" point, since what accomplished based competent application had appearing decades.) renewed interest how can effectively manufacturing operations, crucial elements production planning control, quality, inventory. There some rethinking certain management--including issue versus multiple sourcing. This focuses element purchasing's responsibilities, specifically inclination toward discussion essential part Japan's system presented, impact decision. followed look at perspective industry, supported recent findings. Finally, question, Is convergence? addressed--including "transportability" across cultures. THE BUYER-SELLER RELATIONSHIP: UNITED STATES AND JAPAN Perhaps most well-known characteristic society its focus importance group. States, individual counts. Japan, Things get done not nonconforming lone rangers, but group consensus. consensus possible only through cultivation Relationships help define essence society, conduct one observer notes: Japan's...management systems...are mirror reflection deep historical tradition personal relationships every level, these bonds woven modern institutional fabric extended families, schooling, intricate corporate networks (including) company / supplier. …