Japense Culture

1)What is meant by the term Keiretsu? (Assuming I am spelling it right). In your answers please describe how the structure of a Keiretsu impacts the influence of shareholders in influencing a companys decision. You may want to approach this answer by comparing the role of shareholders in Japanese Keiretsus to the role of shareholders in U.S. conglomerates. (Hint: In the U.S. shareholders are considered a companys owners and the main corporate stakeholders. 30%+ ownership gives you significant influence and 50%+ ownership give you control. How does this structure compare with the Keiretsu structure?).

2)Questions on Culture and Finance/Accounting Perspective:

On the Internet, please Google and Article entitled A Comparison of Japanese and U.S. Corporate Accountability and its Impact on the Responsibilities of Corporate Managers. Briefly, please describe the differences between U.S. and Japanese firms in terms of their financial and accounting objectives. How do these objectives impact how earnings and dividends are viewed in each country. (This question is somewhat similar to 1 above, but more direct.)