Unfortunately the Japanese had better foresight and beat us at our own game when our apathy was at it`s zenith. That`s why we`re where we are today and that`s why Toyota is the powerhouse it is.
You're right they did beat us at our own Game. Dr. Demming was intrumental in the 1950's in helping the Japanese with their management style.
If you read Dr. Demming's book you will understand that the Americans resisted TQM from the beginning. It wasn't until the 1980's when Ford realized they needed to do something to compete and Dr. Demming was able to help Ford become profitable again by helping change the management style. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._Edwards_Deming
