A Japanese firm took over a British company and knew that there would be cultural problems so they took both senior management and trade unionists to Japan. When they returned they gathered together in the board room for a discussion.

The Japanese were delighted that everyone seemed very positive except for the senior trade unionist who sat silently glowering. They asked head-on what his impressions were about the Japanese system of working.

“I think its excellent. I like the shared canteen, the way all workers wear the same overalls, the improved toilets and just-in-time working. But I have to ask, will management also adopt the Japanese philosophy?”

“What did you have in mind?

“When they make a cock-up will they jump off the roof?”

Chris