Study says US firms need new style of management

American manufacturing companies need to overhaul management techniques and reemphasize worker training if they hope to beat foreign competition, a study shows.

The survey of manufacturing executives by Arthur Andersen & Co., an international accounting and consulting firm, shows many areas needing improvement - but much resistance to change. The study said changes don't come about because incentive programs in US businesses stress individual job performance rather than teamwork and employee involvement, which would require different methods.