Vocational Education in Japanese Companies: Bridging the Individual and Social Approaches of Motivation

Psychological, sociological, and inter-individual-process-theoretical (process-theoretical) approaches towards individual motivation in organizations are discussed and related with the organizational requirements towards individual behavior, and patterns of vocational education in German and Japanese firms. This paper claims that German patterns are foremostly based on the rational approach of motivation, leaving behind the motivational potential of social processes. Whereas the Japanese patterns of vocational education are bridging these two controversial approaches of motivation also applying effects described in the process-theoretical approach. In doing so, Japanese firms not only enjoy the benefits of less micro-management, but also gain higher levels of fit between employees and the organizational requirements towards their behavior.