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Chie Yorozu, Faculty of Business and Commerce, Keio University, Japan

 

To what extent does the widely adopted diversity management strategy of Japanese firms work for female self-initiated expatriates (SIEs)? This question comes from the common assumption in Japan that females in general, and female SIEs in particular, are underrepresented in society. It could be suggested that some obstacles remain for them in pursing their international career development. The cultural aspects of living in Japan seem to conflict with the strategy currently in fashion for incorporating more female SIEs into Japanese society. Female SIEs are regarded as a minority worker, but how do they perceive the situation themselves?

 

'Diversity management' has been adopted as part of human capital management, a part of Japanese firms' HR system reforms. Within HR practices, assessment and reward systems and career development accordingly need to be adjusted to the human capital management strategy. HR policies are critical for female SIEs and matter in their adjusting to the new work environment, bringing about good performance and supporting their careers. Their motivation and commitment could be also affected by whether they fit into the policies or not. How well do the strategies used to welcome female expatriates actually work for them?

 

Gender equality is important globally and has been taken on recently in Japanese society. However, it has yet to be explored in the context of the Japanese workplace for female SIEs. This study provides an initial insight into female and expatriate diversity management in Japan based on a qualitative-interview method targeting female SIEs who work in or have worked in Japanese firms. Given their testimony, it appears that although gender equality strategies are in place in firms, gender is still an issue. 'Male things' seem to mean more at work, implying male-centred norms are embedded. This work environment makes many female SIEs sceptical about working in Japan.

 

To read the full article, please see the Journal of Global Mobility publication:

Yorozu, C. (2024), "Dynamics of male society at work in Japanese firms: inclusion of female self-initiated expatriates in the labour force?", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 126-146. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-02-2023-0017