Social networks of Japanese business associations - shukko and amakudari in sectoral associational networks in the chemical and information and communication technology sector

The thesis is an area study focusing on Japanese business associations in the sector of information- and communication technologies (ICT) and the chemical industry. It applies the general perspective that business associations are embedded actors within specific social and political contexts. It also explains the challenges of globalisation and regionalisation for business associations. And empirically shows how they perceive and strategically react on these challenges. With the help of new theoretical approaches and network analysis the institutionalised structure of exchange between firms, business associations and the state are analysed. The analysis places special emphasis on personal exchange-structures (jinmyaku) like shukko and amakudari. As a meta-theoretical framework, institutionalism is applied at the macro-level. At the meso-level the external and internal organisational environment is explained in the framework of the logic of membership and the logic of influence. The relations between the associations are visualised and explained with the tool network analysis. The micro-level analysis explains the outcome of the network structures while focusing on the specific role of socialisation and embedded norms and traditions. Hence, the education system in Japan plays a central role and also social relations are of high importance. This constructs a common base of orientations and norms and therefore makes social interaction easier. One characteristic of the Japanese associational system is great number of so called niche associations. As a result consolidation processes are more likely mergers between national associations and niche associations then cut-throat competition. Within the ict-sector there are still more adaption processes then in the already established chemical sector. Consequently chemical associations do not face due to economic and technical changes a high risk of competition. At the national level stable bargaining networks have been established. Chemical industry associations are more independent from state actors then ict-associations. Nevertheless, in both branches personalised network structures are seen as a determining factor for the understanding of decision-making processes in Japan