Book 'Strong Organizations Are Built on Gratitude and Praise' to Be Released on June 22 (Mon)

Japan Management Association Management Center (President and CEO: Shiluo Zhang, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as JMAM) will release the book 'Strong Organizations Are Built on Gratitude and Praise' on June 22, 2026 (Monday) at bookstores nationwide and online retailers.

■ About the Book

A comprehensive guide that scientifically explains the significance of two essential actions—

【Gratitude = 'Thank you'】 and 【Praise = 'Great job!'】—

in building organizations where mutual understanding, employee autonomy, and team collaboration coexist.

Phrases like 'Say thank you when someone helps you' or 'Praise the good qualities in others' are commonly heard in daily life. In recent years, keywords such as 'gratitude,' 'praise,' and 'recognition' have also gained increasing attention in the context of corporate organizational development and human capital management.

But do gratitude and praise truly hold significance in business team and organizational building beyond mere morality or etiquette? Is there scientific evidence supporting them? And to what extent is this evidence established, and what remains unexplained?

The author has previously conducted research on this topic from the perspectives of social psychology and organizational behavior, meticulously presenting various evidence in his prior work 'Gratitude and Praise' (University of Tokyo Press). Building on that foundation, this book aims to be accessible and practical for business professionals, systematically explaining the value of gratitude and praise while incorporating corporate case studies and everyday examples. It also introduces practical tips on 'what individuals can do' and 'what can be done for organizational development.'

Of course, the author does not believe that 'simply expressing gratitude and praise will change society or the world.' Aspects such as work design, compensation systems, and skill development are also essential. However, gratitude and praise are seen as a valuable 'first step' toward positive organizational development that anyone can immediately take.

The book aims to inspire readers to think, 'Maybe I should try doing something small,' and serve as a helpful starting point in creating organizations where individuals can work autonomously using their unique abilities and strengths, while maintaining team cohesion and organizational strength.

■ Book Overview

Title: Strong Organizations Are Built on Gratitude and Praise
Author: Ikutaro Masaki
Release Date: June 22, 2026 (Monday)
Price: ¥1,700 + tax
Publisher: Japan Management Association Management Center
Pages: 272
Format: Yonroku (Japanese B6)
ISBN: 9784800594471

■ Table of Contents

【Introduction】
【Chapter 1】The Renewed Attention on 'Gratitude and Praise'
【Chapter 2】Understanding Gratitude and Praise from a Scientific Perspective
【Chapter 3】How to Effectively Express Gratitude and Praise
【Chapter 4】Applying Gratitude and Praise to Organizational Development and Management
【Chapter 5】How the Workplace Transforms Through Gratitude and Praise! Case Studies
【Conclusion】The Vision of an Organization Where Gratitude and Praise Are Rooted

■ Author Profile

Ikutaro Masaki
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Tokyo Woman's Christian University. Completed doctoral program at the Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, University of Tokyo, in 2017. Holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology. Specializes in social psychology and organizational behavior. Has extensive experience in commissioned projects and advisory roles with private companies. Served as a full-time lecturer at Tokyo Woman's Christian University from 2021, and currently holds his present position since 2024. Publications include 'Gratitude and Praise' (University of Tokyo Press, 2024) and 'The Psychological Impact of Gender Diversity in the Workplace' (University of Tokyo Press, 2019; recipient of the 2019 Japanese Society of Social Psychology Special Publication Award).

■ About the Book's Content

Clear, illustrated explanations of the psychological mechanisms behind gratitude and praise.

■ Where to Purchase

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4800594472
Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18628076/