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Japan’s Wasted Workers

In: The Japanese Economic Crisis

Author

Listed:
  • Jon Woronoff

Abstract

Many fawning observers attribute Japan's success to that good old-fashioned virtue hard work. “It is not surprising,” they say, “that Japan has done so well when its labor force works so hard.” By now it should be generally known that it is not “hard work” as such that brings about economic development. No matter how hard you work, if you only accomplish as much today as yesterday your economy will not grow. In fact, it is more likely to blossom once you stop working hard and start working smart. That is, when brute human labor is replaced by something else. The “something else” can be more and better machinery and equipment. It can involve a more intelligent use of whatever machine and manpower is applied. It can occur when the same inputs are used to create other, more attractive products.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon Woronoff, 1996. "Japan’s Wasted Workers," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Japanese Economic Crisis, chapter 5, pages 75-98, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-37568-0_5
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230375680_5
    as

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