Case Studies

Chapter 2 of the 1st edition of Human Resource Management in a Business Context contains these case studies which have been revised for the 3rd edition . They are not shown here - you need the book. This page is intended to provide suggestions for dealing with these case studies and links to sites with relevant information for users of the book.

 Case Study 2.1: Change in Japan

This case study appears on pages 116-117 (42-44 in the 1st edition) of Human Resource Management in a Business Context. Japan's economic problems in the 1990s have led to major structural changes in the country's job market. Economic turbulence and the globalization of human resources are discussed in chapter 4 of the new edition. Because of these problems Japan has absorbed many previously unacceptable western notions of HRM.

Question 1 can only be answered as far as now - Japan has demonstrated an incredible capacity to recover from major economic problems in the past.

 Investigate the Japan Institute of Labor site

Yuji Genda outlines The Changing Employment Structure at the Japan Department of Labor website

Question 2 takes into account issues raised in Chapter 4 (chapter 2, 1st edition) and anticipates some of the discussion in chapter 9 (chapter 5, 1st edition) about culture and international HRM

  This account of Japanese subsidiaries  compares successful and unsuccessful subsidiaries (Stanford Business)

 Case Study 2.2 : South Africa

This case study appears on pages 143-5 (45-47, 1st edition) of Human Resource Management in a Business Context. This is a complex and developing situation which rewards some investigation. The following are useful links:

 Visit the Department of Labour  site - includes white papers and new developments.

 And COSATU - Congress of South African Trade Unions

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