erikae

Erikae is a Japanese term that refers to the practice of exchanging staff between companies, particularly within the same keiretsu or corporate group. This system is a unique aspect of Japanese corporate culture and has several distinct characteristics and purposes. The primary goal of erikae is to foster inter-company collaboration, share expertise, and prevent the concentration of power within a single individual or company. By rotating personnel, companies aim to gain diverse perspectives and reduce the risk of insular decision-making.

The process typically involves senior employees, often managers or executives, being temporarily transferred to another affiliated company. These individuals bring their accumulated knowledge and experience to their new role, contributing to the recipient company's operations and development. In return, the sending company benefits from the insights their employee gains from the experience. Erikae is not a permanent move; it is usually for a set period, after which the employee returns to their original company or moves to another within the group.

This practice is believed to strengthen the overall network of the corporate group by building relationships and understanding across different business units. It also serves as a form of informal training and development, exposing employees to different business environments and challenges. While erikae is a well-established tradition, its implementation and frequency can vary among different keiretsu and companies.