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ADVANCED
MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
VOLUME
64 NUMBER 3 SUMMER 1999
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to AMJ Contents
The Competitive Advantage of
Intellectual Property
The increasing role of technology in
national and global growth raises concerns about protecting technological innovation, a
type of intellectual property. Companies and nations have a vested interest in preventing
patent infringement, copyright infringement, product counterfeiting, unauthorized
trademark use, and similar offenses. The concept of patent protection dates from the
fifthteenth century, but intellectual property laws have had a hard time keeping pace with
technological change. Nevertheless, current efforts to protect intellectual property in
global markets should be of paramount importance to many U.S. managers.
George R. Flagman and Stephen B.
Scofield
Challenges and Trends in HR/IR Programs:
Bridging the Gap for Global Competitiveness
As the global economy has transformed the
human resource function from an industrial enterprise model to a knowledge-based
enterprise model, graduate programs in the field have not always kept up. More progressive
corporations view human resource and industrial relations departments (HR/1R) as strategic
partners with responsibilities far beyond the traditional ones. To prepare MR executives
for this New World, colleges and universities need to reexamine their programs for
content, innovative staffing, and productive linkages with practitioners
Philip Benham
Parent-Subsidiary Relationships 15 in
Japan: Some Observations From Financial Statement Data
The structure of Japanese industry is very
different from that of the U.S. Large groups of manufacturers and parts suppliers form
vertical keiretsu, many of which belong to a horizontal keiretsu. Some companies are
independent. This study reveals interesting similarities and differences among parents,
subsidiaries, and independents regarding profitability, employee compensation patterns,
productivity, production and marketing costs, and other areas. Some findings have
implications for managers employed by Japanese companies in the U.S.
Nobuaki Namiki
Potential Roles of the Human Resource
Management Professional in the Strategic Planning Process
Staffing, recruiting, compensation, and
benefits - all traditional HR functions - are now augmented by a new, crucial role for HR:
participation in a company's strategic planning process. This role is mandated by rapid
changes in today's business environment, which places a premium on workforce skills and
suitability. HR professionals may play roles as advocates of the planning process, as
stakeholders representing HR needs, and as facilitators of the process. Since the last two
may conflict, choices must be made.
Robert W. Rowden
Diagnosing and Making Reasonable
Accommodation Under ADA for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults
An estimated four to ten million American
adults have ADHD, and many of them may have difficulty holding a job or advancing in a
company. Today, proper diagnosis and intervention strategies or treatments may alleviate
the problem. Employers also may have a legal obligation under the Americans With
Disabilities Act to make "reasonable accommodation" for ADHD employees, but,
beyond that, employers have a vested interest in trying to help such employees be
productive and constructive.
David E. Drehmer and Helen LaVan
Emerging Opportunities in Kyrgyzstan
Given the collapse of the Russian economy
on the heels of recessions in East Asia, investors are understandably wary when it comes
to commitments in emerging countries. However, the Kyrgyz Republic, a newly independent
state in Central Asia, has successfully attracted foreign investment and seeks more in the
form of joint ventures, foreign-owned enterprises, and other structures. A central bank
has been established, factor costs are low (especially electricity), and the
infrastructure, notably the airport and highways, is being modernized. Mining and other
natural resource- related activities hold promise.
Lilia Toktobaeva
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