Le changement technique et l'acquisition de nouvelles compétences dans les PMI japonaises

Faced with technological change in relation to new constraints imposed by increasing internationalisation and the rise of the yen, small and medium-sized enterprises are finding themselves up against the inadequacy of the know-how at their disposal, and the need for new skills. There are two avenues offering a solution to this problem, namely staff training and the recruitment of a more suitable workforce.In fact, these two possibilities are not inamical. Indeed, it seems that the SME have no real choice other than to develop strategies based on both.As for the unions, they are generally positive and support whatever steps are taken. It is also the moment to consider quality circles outside their purely Japanese cultural context. They are certainly not unique to Japan, and can be brought to bear just as effectively in other contexts