The Pitfall of "Empty Theory on the Desk"

 

In Japan, impractical and unrealistic theories conceived far from actual practice are collectively referred to as "Empty Theory on the Desk." These are plans and ideas developed without firsthand experience or a deep understanding of the field. Though they may seem logical and convenient on paper, they often rely on armchair analysis and are unlikely to succeed in real-world settings—even when proposed by those with strong academic credentials. To counter this kind of impractical thinking, many leading Japanese manufacturing companies emphasize the Three Reals Principle (also known as the 3 Gen Principle)—a method designed to ground decision-making in reality. This principle consists of:

Genba (現場) – the actual place

Genbutsu (現物) – the actual object

Genjitsu (現実) – the actual situation

When addressing workplace problems, this approach stresses the importance of going to the site, observing the real objects involved, and understanding the actual conditions before taking action. It ensures that decisions are based on facts, not assumptions. Importantly, the Three Reals Principle isn’t limited to manufacturing. It applies broadly to many real-world issues. Relying solely on second- or third-hand information—especially from media sources—can lead to the trap of detached, impractical theories. In contrast, actively seeking firsthand information and verifying facts leads to a more accurate, grounded understanding—more like street smarts than theoretical speculation. By embracing the Three Reals Principle, we move beyond empty theories and toward decisions rooted in real-world experience.

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