Yankee Samurai

In a style reminiscent of Studs Terkel's Working, Dennis Laurie takes an intimate, anecdotal, sometimes humorous, and sometimes provocative look at what it's really like for Americans who work for Japanese companies in the United States. Based on 250 interviews with American and Japanese managers and executives working for thirty-one Japanese firms in the United States, Yankee Samurai tells the fascinating inside story of a clash between two cultures - told by the people. Who are actually living through it. The book examines Japanese business practices and management style. It divulges the truth about how the Japanese treat Americans, especially minorities and women, and explains how few Americans can expect to penetrate the inner power circles - and the personal traits of those few who do. Yankee Samurai also provides a fresh new perspective on the expanding role of Japanese business and culture in the United States and throughout the. World. As one of the American managers in Yankee Samurai says, "In Toyota City, Japan, where about 60 percent of the people are directly affiliated with the firm, the bars and lounges are closed down at 11 P.M. because they want people alert for work the next day. Can you imagine trying to do that in Flint, Michigan?" Perhaps not today - yet Laurie sees a growing Japanese influence on the American workplace. There are lessons here for the 1,000,000 Americans who will be. Working for Japanese firms by the turn of the century, American management of American firms compelling with the Japanese, and the American people themselves, who have enjoyed nearly a half century of world leadership - a leadership now being challenged by a great power across the Pacific.