Final answer:
The impact of an American company adopting the ringisei decision-making process on efficiency and productivity cannot be determined without additional context, as this method involves extensive consultation which might slow down the decision-making. It contrasts with Western methods which might prioritize speed and top-down decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an American company chose to use the Japanese method called ringisei, the effect on efficiency and productivity could vary and thus cannot be determined without further context. The ringisei process involves a bottom-up approach to decision-making, with proposals being circulated among lower-level management before reaching higher levels for approval. This system can potentially lead to a more democratic and consensual environment, but it can also be time-consuming and may delay decision-making.
Comparing to the hypothetical American company Technotron, which increased efficiency with new technology, the shift to ringisei might not lead to the same outcome of increased productivity since the decision-making process is more labor-intensive. Also, if one input becomes relatively more expensive, such as labor or capital, firms often adjust by choosing a production technology that relies less on the more expensive input. The ringisei process may compound this issue if it inherently requires more time and potential labor costs.