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Expatriate management in Japanese firms: paradox of the HR system for Thai self-initiated expatriates

Chie Yorozu (School of Business, Aoyama Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan)

Journal of Global Mobility

ISSN: 2049-8799

Article publication date: 21 April 2023

Issue publication date: 28 September 2023

395

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to see whether replication occurs with the focus on the Japanese HR system, following the latest studies on expatriate management in Japan. Whereas the total number of self-initiated expatriates has hugely increased in Japan, the high turnover rate is a big issue. Can this also be evidenced with new data? How does the Japanese HR system, with its notorious reputation for unique people management methods, relate to the expats' reasons for staying in the long or short term?

Design/methodology/approach

Replication of research is adopted here with an interview-based qualitative method using the same research design as previous literature. The previous research focused on Chinese and Vietnamese self-initiated expatriates, who occupy the majority of expatriate positions in Japan. This study has a new target group of Thai expatriates, who have a relatively higher educational background than some other expatriates and are expected by the Japanese firms to stay over the long term.

Findings

Replication of the findings of the latest studies occurs in this research. The turnover rate is as high as other national expatiates, with similar reasons, related to the Japanese HR system. However, there are also different issues. The main reasons they give for not staying in the long-term are unhealthy work habits, followed by slower promotion and ambiguous work content/role. The Japanese HR system is a dehumanising mechanism leading to a stressful work environment, which is the most critical concern for them and the main reason they choose not to remain in the long term.

Originality/value

Past studies indicate an expectation gap between Japanese firms and expatriates, which is also found in this study. Additionally, an assumption gap between them about security under the HR system is also confirmed. Security means working healthily for expatriates while it means long-term employment for Japanese firms.

Keywords

Citation

Yorozu, C. (2023), "Expatriate management in Japanese firms: paradox of the HR system for Thai self-initiated expatriates", Journal of Global Mobility, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 388-410. https://doi.org/10.1108/JGM-09-2022-0052

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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