Date of Award
12-1995
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Lawrence Ziring
Second Advisor
Dr. Peter Renstrom
Third Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Dahlberg
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study analyzes the behavior of the politicians of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) and the decision making process of the LDP. This study draws heavily on Japanese language sources as well as interviews with leading Japanese Diet persons.
The characteristics of Japanese culture are explained by introducing the works of three scholars. They are: Ruth Benedict, Chie Nakane, and Takeo Doi. It was discovered that the relationships among LDP Diet persons and between supporters and Diet persons are based on traditional societal norms. Furthermore, it was found that the decision making process of the LDP was in harmony with the most significant Japanese cultural value--harmony. Because the organizational basis of the LDP, the factions, and the koenkai (personal support groups) are sustained by the behaviors of the LDP politicians and supporters, these informal organizations gave the LDP its organizational strength.
Recommended Citation
Ikeba, Hiroyuki, "The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan: Its Organization and Decision Making Process" (1995). Masters Theses. 5010.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5010