“It Just Really Made Me Feel Like I’m Supposed to Be Here”: Organizational Socialization Among Expatriate Workers in Japan

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the sensemaking experiences of expatriate workers in Japan as they assimilate into their organizations. Data were collected through a series of 23 semi-structured interviews, with participants ranging from one to twenty years’ experience living and working in Japan. Expatriates made sense of feelings of inclusion, strong relationships with other expatriates, and special accommodations in the Japanese workplace, which helped them integrate into their organizations. These socialization experiences led participants to stay with the organization. However, when expatriate workers felt isolation or experienced inflexibility in their organization, they indicated no intention to stay. This study provides valuable insights to the literature of organizational socialization and sensemaking by adding the unique experiences of expatriate workers in Japan.