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