Research Projects

A Study of Labor-Employer Relations and Business Philosophy of Japanese Business: Company Practice of “Joint Worship” and “Communal Residence” by New Employees

(Funded under Hang Seng Bank Golden Jubilee Education Fund for Research, Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities & Social Sciences)

Regional Modernity in the Pearl and Yangzi River Deltas

Principal Investigator

Guan Wenna, Honorary Research Associate and Research Assistant Professor, Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences
(Remarks: Dr. Guan Wenna left the University’s service from October 1, 2014.)

Total Fund Awarded

HKD 32,000

Project Duration

May 2013 – April 2014

Project Description

This proposed research aims to clarify the historiographical issues related to the origins of Japan’s business culture and its industrialization. Because these issues have not been adequately explained by the studies done by James C. Abegglen, I will fill this gap so as to obtain a deeper understanding of the transformation of Japan into a modern and unique industrialized society. The case of Japanese business is distinct from the business culture embodied in Western modern industrialized society. I expect new inspiration can be drawn from this enquiry, thereby enabling the rethinking of the progress, future direction and development path of Chinese business.