HRM Systems and Lean Production – A comparison between Volkswagen and Toyota

Abstract:

The paper discusses differences and similarities of HRM systems of the two companies and draws some conclusions regarding the functioning of the lean production systems. It draws from a joint research project carried out together with M. Ishida and K. Nakamura. Traditionally, the two companies differ fundamentally in their HRM systems. In view of the introduction of lean production principles at Volkswagen the question is whether we can observe tendencies of convergence.