Conclusions — Importance of Perceptions, Employability and Directions of Change

Abstract

Fooling, being fooled, mutual deception? Can this be the final, simple conclusion of this book about the future relationship between employees and companies in Japan? Surely not! Too many writers have shown in their diaries genuine concern about the situation of their companies, and many companies have realized that they need to put in a genuine effort to reconcile measures to increase competitiveness with measures to keep their employees loyal and motivated.

14 April 2003 — One of my high school classmates came home and I met her for the first time in a year. She is about the only classmate from my high school days I am still in contact with — a precious friend. A lot has happened to her since she began work. Everyone is working hard. Overall, there are many among my friends who say “I don’t expect to be with this company for long” and she is one of them. I strongly think that with the company side having done away with lifelong employment, the employed side has also largely changed its mindset.… fooling, being fooled, mutual deception??¹²⁵