In this book, author Nate Furuta, former chair and CEO of Toyota Boshoku America Inc., shares his extensive experience in establishing Toyota cultures outside Japan. As the first Toyota employee at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) in California, he led the creation of a groundbreaking labor-management agreement in the U.S. auto industry. Furuta also played a pivotal role in Georgetown, Kentucky, at Toyota's first wholly owned manufacturing operation outside Japan, collaborating closely with President Fujio Cho to establish management systems and culture. The narrative details the establishment of successful operations at NUMMI and other significant sites, offering unique insights only Furuta can provide. He chronicles Toyota's globalization journey from the early 1980s to the present, introducing key figures like Taiichi Ohno and Kenzo Tamai. Rather than focusing on HRM policies, the book delves into how senior leaders embody an awareness of HRM, executing strategy while enhancing organizational capability. Furuta emphasizes the importance of identifying and solving problems as they arise, creating a self-reinforcing loop that enhances problem-solving skills and drives the organization toward its goals. Ultimately, this work reveals Toyota's general management systems through the lens of a senior Japanese manager, illustrating the attitudes, behaviors, and systems essential for leading in a Lean business environ
Kiyoshi "Nate" Furuta Book order (chronological)
