Title
FSC Certification in Japan: An Uncertain Future
Abstract
This article presents an assessment of the adoption of Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) certification in Japan based on insights
from concepts and theories provided from the disciplines of sociology,
social psychology, economics, and organizational behavior. It
provides a brief history of relevant developments in the forest
sector in Japan, as well as a brief discussion of certain characteristics
of the collective nature of Japanese society as they concern the
current paradigm shift in Japan. Certification is discussed with
specific information about FSC Certification as a possible substitute
for assurance being lost due to the changes in business relationships
resulting from Japan's shift to a more open market. The article
suggests that the adoption of a western social instrument such
as certification will have possible outcomes which differ from
those expected in countries where certification originated.
Akira KAJIWARA
Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration
Kobe University
Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe
657-8501 Japan
Phone: (81) 78 803 7036
Fax: (81) 78 803 7059