Constellations of Logics in Performance Appraisal: Comparative Ethnographic Cases of a Japanese Multinational Corporation

Abstract

This paper extends the understanding of the constellations of logics in Japanese management practices in Asia and the West. By adopting comparative ethnographic case studies in the context of a multinational corporation (MNC), it explores the cultural meanings of corporation, family, market, religion and profession logics in the subsidiaries in Thailand, Taiwan, Belgium and the US. In so doing, this paper contributes to the understanding of constellations of logics from cross cultural perspectives. Three findings are identified, and their significances are elaborated. First, the finding that the constellations of logics are somewhat distinct between Asia and the West indicates the role of cultural contexts in Asia and the West. Second, the finding that the constellations of logics are ongoing and continuously formed strongly questions one-off win or loss of logics.