title: Achieving world class performance step by step.
abstract: Bridgestone of Japan acquired Firestone, a United States corporation, in early 1988. This article describes the integration process of the two organizations' cultures. There are many lessons in the approach that should apply to a variety of organizations. The Strategic Improvement Process, a rather highly structured approach, harnesses the strengths of both the Japanese and American organizations and starts the manufacturing and technical departments on the road to excellence.
authors: L J
authors: LJ
authors: Kerr
mesh_terms: D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D007221:Industry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007564:Japan; D008332:Management Quality Circles / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation / Q000191:economics; D011357:Product Line Management / Q000592:standards*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods; D011786:Quality Control; D014481:United States