The diagram compares office layouts in Japan and the United States. Overall, a clear contrast exists between the two designs, with American offices dividing employees and managers into separate rooms. In contrast, the Japanese layout features a shared workspace where managers and staff cohabit a single area, thereby promoting direct and efficient communication. Additionally, operational rooms, including those designated for copying, storage, and conference are situated on the left side of the U.S. offices, a feature missing from the Japanese design.
Direct supervision and interaction are reflected in the Japanese office design, where the department manager’s seat is positioned centrally to oversee both employees and managers, highlighting a clear hierarchical structure. Moreover, each section manager is assigned to supervise employees directly and collaborate with them, fostering a cooperative yet hierarchical working environment.
Unlike the Japanese design, the U.S. layout values privacy, as evidenced by the separation of operational rooms, employees’ personal cubicles, and managers’ offices. Rather than placing all rooms centrally as in the Japanese layout, the American office distributes functional rooms across the left, center, and right sections. For operational purposes, employees can access the left side, where copy, storage, and meeting rooms are located. In the central area, several individual cubicles are planted to allow employees to focus on their tasks. Lastly, whenever they need direct contact with their managers, they can proceed to the offices situated on the right.