CIRJE-J-117 『復興期の企業合理化と雇用調整 −昭和電工の人員整理戦略を中心に1945-50−』
"Rationalization of Management and Employment Adjustment in Reconstruction Period: The Strategy of a Personnel Retrenchment at the Showadenko Company 1945-50"
Author Name 宣在源(Jae-Won Sun)
Date August 2004
Full Paper PDF file (only Japanese version available)
Remarks  
Abstract (Japanese) Abstract (English)


This paper examines how the rules and the method for an employment adjustment (koyochosei) formed right after the Second World War in Japan. We focused on the case o f the Showadenko Company which it could be clear to know the strategy of personnel retre nchment (jininseiri). First, the rules for an employment adjustment at the Showadenko Company were u ndoubtedly cleared in 1949. The rules based on the 'work ability (gyomunoryoku),' which i ncluded age, length of service, and work performance, that employees have to accept. We also need to pay attention that the union understood the rule of 'near fifty,' which the man agement suggested, related to the retirement age. In 1949, the great transformation in the r ules for an employment adjustment of the Showadenko Company was occurred. Second, the management of the Showadenko Company conducted the 'voluntary reti rement (jihatsutaishoku)' and paid 'retire-allowance (taishokukin)' and 'extra-wage (rinjikyuyo kin)' in order to reduce friction between the management and the employees. The managem ent also made the promise to do not repeatedly personnel retrenchment and do consultation prior to turnover. We can see the framework of the Japan's employment adjustment method which mentioned that it was established after the high-performance period.