British Chief Executive Michael C. Woodford is demoted after only 6 months in his role at Olympus due to an apparent culture clash with the all Japanese board of directors
Effect on the Company
After his dismissal, Olympus stock fell by 18%, its largest drop since 1974, with shareholders concerned that the financial reforms promised by Woodford would now no longer happen.
What Happened Next?
Subsequently, the F.B.I began Investigating the exorbitant advisory fees that the Japanese company paid to a firm with links to other questionable deals that the audits had revealed.
The Outcome
Due to the interweaving boards and companies in Japan, the removal of Woodford was predictable. 12 of the 15 board members owed loyalty to Mr. Kikukawa and the other 60% of shares were held by Japanese institutions.
British Chief Executive Michael C. Woodford is demoted after only 6 months in his role at Olympus due to an apparent culture clash with the all Japanese board of directors
Mr. Woodfords cultural insensitivity led to him dealing with the problem in a way which was opposed to the japanese consensus, which is one does not question the big boss (Kikukawa).
Mr. Kikukawa, although initially positive about Woodford, stated that He was unable to understand nemawashi consensus building, and was unable to mimic the Japanese management style which had been built up over 92 years.
Two weeks later, Mr. Kikukawa resigned as chairman after 50 years with the company without assuming responsibility, but using ritualized apologies that Japanese firms tend to use in order to attempt to close off a subject.
The conflict was caused by a clash of cultural expectations from both parties.
This highlights the contrast between certain Japanese Business practices where personal relationships sometimes take precedence over accepted accounting standards and management practices expected by Westerners.
Subsequently Mr. Kikukawa was among 7 arrested and charged with falsifying financial statements. As a result the entire board resigned and in September 2012, three of those charged pled guilty to the 1.7 billion dollar accounting fraud and received 10 years in Jail