This article reports a series of studies that aimed at creating an optimal Japanese workplace for both international and Japanese employees.
In the first study, the author interviewed international alumni who are currently working for Japanese companies, and examined meaningfulness, challenges, and growth through their work. The result of this study showed that their immediate Japanese bosses, particularly based on their empathy and intercultural competencies, have great impact on their work adjustment.
As a result, the second study was conducted to examine developmental processes of Japanese bosses who have worked with international employees, focusing on their intercultural competencies. The findings of these two studies indicated that it is imperative for both international employees and Japanese bosses to develop their intercultural competencies through mutual collaboration in order to create an optimal workplace for both parties.
Thus, in the third study, the author developed an educational program where Japanese employees and international students cultivate their intercultural competencies through multicultural group project and collaboration. As a group project, they were first instructed a few unique methods for organizational/societal change by the author. Then, by using these methods, they were expected to design and conduct a one-day experiential workshop called “Global career dialogue” to envision optimal Japanese workplace diversity in the future. Diverse stakeholders were invited to this workshop, including university faculty, staff, students, alumni, and business professionals, to enhance dynamic interaction among participants and their social impact for the future workplace.
