Competence Rules at More Visionary Firms

The world economy is becoming more integrated daily. Japan’s ethnocentricity is keeping Japan from becoming a truly great power . . . and now comes Nissan and other Japanese companies with an apparent policy of fragmenting management and decision making along nationality lines. (“Some Japanese Firms Moving to Segregate Staff,” May 23).

If the reports are true, more forward-looking companies--Honda, Kawai and others--should gear up to capture an even greater share of the world market.

My 15-year experience with Kawai, a wholly owned Japanese subsidiary, has been just the opposite. Kawai has actively integrated managers, be they foreign or American, into their decision-making process. This Kawai policy is based upon competence, not nationality.

JOHN RAJCIC

Vice President/General Manager

Kawai

Compton