Discusses myths about the Japanese management styles; what the West can learn from the Japanese; the concept of nonlinear management; and training modules which teach self-discipline, tolerance, and nonlinear management. (CT)

The author examines a team development approach to management that creates shared commitments to performance improvement by focusing the attention of managers on individual workers and their task accomplishments. It uses the "high-performance equation" to help managers confront shared beliefs and concerns about performance and develop realistic…

Describes a line manager's successful attempt to design an autonomously run plant. The author discusses the assembly of a team of workers to develop the plant, product design, characteristics of the team members, the employee reward system, role of the plant manager, and the manager's evaluation of the plant's success. (CT)

Describes an Employee Participation Plan (EPP) involving teams of three to eight employees and a supervisor/team leader for the purpose of identifying and solving production problems and issues. Key ingredients in a successful EPP include nonauthoritarian leadership styles, thorough group leader training, and prompt action on team suggestions. (SK)