Abstract

This chapter provides a brief comparison of the employment systems of Japan and the U.S. Three remarkable and apparent paradoxical contrasts between Japan and the U.S. are outlined. In addition, the author supplements data sources and provides a framework for analyzing systems. Two types of data are presented: firm-based data and national-level data. The concept of the SET system and the JAM system are also introduced. Further, how the U.S. firms have accommodated elements of Japanese employment practices to the preferences of U.S. management and workers for greater freedom of choice and mobility is discussed. The latter part of the chapter provides a brief overview of the layout of the book.