From limousine to bus
From limousine to public buses could not stop the outgoing CEO of JAL (Japan Air Lines) from heading towards bankruptcy. He cut his own pay, took meals in company cafeteria, and even came to office on public bus to contain costs, but all to no avail! The Japanese government now has brought Inamouri, a Buddhist priest, to try and bail out JAL from "Financial Jail"-- so to speak! This AFP news report was published in a local English daily on January 19th.
We, particularly our public enterprises, got much to watch and learn during this epoch of revolutionary style of management in JAL-- a large pubic conglomerate! Inamouri is a proven entrepreneur in his own right with no personal connections or influences of important people. He is one of Japan's most respected business executive, having founded the business that has now become the KDDI Corporation.
At 78, he is a champion of de-regulation, and a philanthropist, who after normal retirement became a Buddhist priest! He had created his own theory of "amoeba management"; where each unit of the company makes it own plans guided by an "amoeba leader". He believes in fundamental human values, which is the guiding principle of his work attitude. He has the difficult task of safely landing JAL from the impending crash-- finance wise!
JAL has historically suffered from too much government protection; with a tendency to avoid taking difficult and unpopular but realistic decisions-- a key element for any successful business enterprise.
Both government and JAL's shaky employees pin their hope and belief in Inomouri who is expected to take the necessary surgical measures needed to save the failing airlines from bankruptcy, and be airborne again!
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