Sisu, Kaizen, and American Management: An Exploratory Study of Cross-Cultural Approaches to Organizational Success

Author

Bryan Hagenbarth, Western Michigan UniversityFollow

Date of Defense

11-20-2024

Date of Graduation

12-2024

Department

Business - Interdisciplinary

First Advisor

Duke Leingpibul

Second Advisor

Tom Kelly

Abstract

Abstract Introduction

This thesis, “Sisu, Kaizen, and American Management: An Exploratory Study of Cross-Cultural Approaches to Organizational Success,” explores the interplay of cultural management methodologies across three nations – Finland, Japan, and the United States. It proposes a hybrid organizational model that integrates the principles of Sisu, Kaizen, and the American Dream (respectively) to common business practices.

Through the idea of “cross-cultural analysis,” this study delves into the underlying cultural frameworks – termed "human hardware" – that shape societal values and behaviors. The goal therein is to analyze the influencing characteristics that affect their adoption (and effectiveness) of foreign management practices, referred to in this study as the "software" (Sisu, Kaizen, and the American Dream).

The “Softwares”

Sisu, a Finnish ethos centered on resilience and perseverance, emphasizes mental toughness and enduring challenges. The point is to foster long-term stability and collective strength in organizations.

Kaizen, a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, focuses on incremental progress and collaboration. It helps companies enhance adaptability and efficiency through small growth in various facets of business.

The American Dream is a cultural ideal that champions individual ambition, innovation, and risk-taking. It allows many companies to drive entrepreneurial success and personal fulfillment, as well as grow the scope and scale of the business.

Implications And Findings

By comparing these philosophies, this research highlights the unique strengths and limitations within cultural contexts. It examines how each system “software” aligns with or diverges from the "human hardware" of the respective society. And, it therefore analyzes the adaptability of these management styles when applied globally.

As such, this thesis investigates areas of overlap between nations. The hope is to identify synergies that aid or inform the design of a balanced, adaptive, and sustainable organizational culture. This leads to a proposed hybrid model that integrates the resilience of Sisu, the incremental and team-oriented approach of Kaizen, and the ambition-driven ethos of the American Dream. This combination fosters a workforce that is resilient in adversity, innovative in ambition, and collaborative in execution.

Practical recommendations of such a merged approach include: resilience training programs, iterative feedback mechanisms, and dual-recognition systems that celebrate both individual achievements and team contributions. Ultimately, this study suggests that a thoughtful blending of these diverse management philosophies can address contemporary challenges in a globalized workplace. By aligning cultural values with organizational goals, businesses can cultivate environments that promote employee engagement, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Recommended Citation

Hagenbarth, Bryan, "Sisu, Kaizen, and American Management: An Exploratory Study of Cross-Cultural Approaches to Organizational Success" (2024). Honors Theses. 3889.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3889

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access