ABSTRACT
Visual management (VM) is a management technique that uses visually stimulating signals, symbols, and objects to convey important information in the working environment. It has many forms, such as figures, tables, and signs, and comes in different colors and sizes. Typical VM tools include production kanban, safety signs, and standard operating
3.1 VM ............................................................................................................. 50 3.1.1 Classification of visualization tools ......................................... 51 3.1.2 Problems with VM ...................................................................... 53
3.2 Cross-cultural management .................................................................. 53 3.2.1 Hofstede’s cultural dimension .................................................. 54 3.2.2 Cultural influence on communication style ............................ 57
3.3 Comparison of VM across cultures ...................................................... 58 3.3.1 Overview of six investigated factories ..................................... 59 3.3.2 Comparison of VM across culture-A horizontal view ....... 63
3.3.2.1 Overall assessment of VM across factories .............. 63 3.3.2.2 Visualization of 6S ....................................................... 63 3.3.2.3 Visualization of operation management .................. 67 3.3.2.4 Visualization of product/material management ..... 69 3.3.2.5 Visualization of production control .......................... 71 3.3.2.6 Visualization of quality management ....................... 74 3.3.2.7 Visualization of equipment management ................ 77 3.3.2.8 Visualization of performance management ............. 80 3.3.2.9 Visualization of continuous improvement ............... 82
3.3.3 Comparison of VM across cultures-A vertical view ........... 84 3.3.3.1 Plan for VM ................................................................... 85 3.3.3.2 Design of visual tools .................................................. 86 3.3.3.3 Implementation ............................................................ 87 3.3.3.4 Management with visual tools ................................... 88
procedures (SOPs). VM can be implemented in a top-down or a bottomup manner. However, the systemic approach from top to down is more effective to improve the organization’s performance. Most companies have implemented VM within their organization, but not all of these VM systems work effectively in these companies. The reasons why VM has not proved successful in these companies will be discussed in this chapter. In addition, as the development of global economics rolls on, more and more companies develop their businesses at abroad. One of the common problems these companies encounter is that their successful management experience does not work well in foreign countries. The reason for this is that cultural differences are ignored. Although the level of industrialization and economic development plays an important role in management, the influence of culture on management is profound. In this chapter, we will first introduce VM and the problems with implementing VM in practice. Then, the influence of national culture on management is discussed. Third, based on the results of our field study, we will compare VM across six factories from four different countries.
