Summary

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of productivity analysis at the corporate level. It begins with productivity measurement and evaluation in the workplace where the main focus is on unit input requirement. The theory of worker productivity and its management is discussed intensively. Secondly, the intermediate stage of aggregation of activities at corporate level is given in terms of total cost rentability and productivity nexus. Using this approach the total efficiency of corporate activity is evaluated and compared with productivity performance both in Japan and worldwide, as well as with the average performance of the industry in which the firm is involved. Thirdly, the final concept of corporate productivity: added value productivity is examined. Added value is the total fruit of corporate activities and the fund to be distributed among its members. The total structure of added value, which is not quite so simple as many textbooks have led to believe, is analysed in detail and applied to the corporate productivity management scheme. Finally, white-collar productivity, one of the most topical areas in productivity studies today is also examined in detail.