National character in corporate philosophies: How different is Japan?

In this article Catherine Langlois describes and contrasts the special characteristics of Japanese corporate statements with the dominant qualities of comparable Western statements. Japanese corporate philosophies are found to be abstract, emotionally charged and inward looking. They emphasise and reinforce the importance of mood and climate within the corporation. By contrast, Western corporate philosophies are made up of specific statements that appeal to rational thought, and are designed to reach out to members of the community and potential employees.