Genba Kanri companies are the most productive and cost-effective in the world, according to the author of this book. The author explains that Genba Kanri, though the name is Japanese, is derived from old Western traditions, long neglected in their countries of origin. He aims to show how, by connecting "people" concerns with the operational aspects of manufacturing, GK can make it easy to change production methods and systems, replace "management by remote control" with real leadership on the shop floor, help to promote and sustain continuous improvement, reinforce the key role played by the first line supervisor and introduce "the standard operation". The book looks at the management practices required to enable GK disciplines to function, and in the process finds little place for some of Western management's favourites - re-engineering, hourly pay systems and self-management work teams.