Organization Structure and Coordination Mechanisms of a Japanese multinational company : a case study of Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.

Abstract: Problem : How does Japanese company coordinate with its subsidiaries in Thai and Chinese markets? Purpose :  To describe organization structure of Japanese company as well as compare how headquarters coordinates with its subsidiaries in Thai and Chinese markets. Also, this thesis will give benefits for the academics and managers of other multinational corporations. Method :  Qualitative approach and comparative design are implemented in this thesis meanwhile secondary data from internet, documentary research  and primary data from semi-structured interview through telephone & email are used for collecting information. More importantly, Tokai Carbon is chosen as a case study to understand organization structure and its coordination between Japanese company and Thai & Chinese subsidiaries. Conclusion : The organization structure and coordination should  be concerned in multinational corporations. Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. as a multinational Japanese company who runs business and establishes various subsidiaries in worldwide mostly centralizes power to headquarters. Also, Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. applied means of formal and informal coordination in order to cooperate between Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. (headquarters) and Thai Tokai Carbon Product Co., Ltd (Thai subsidiaries) & Tokai Carbon Tianjin Co., Ltd. (Chinese subsidiaries). With respect to formal and informal mechanisms, these two mechanisms are similarly implemented in collaboration between headquarters and Thai & Chinese subsidiaries. Nonetheless, there are a few differences on informal tools in form of lateral relations and socialization.