Japanese Women Managers’ Employee-Oriented Communication Styles: An Analysis Using Constructivist Grounded Theory

Abstract

The number of women managers in Japan remains small, and little empirical research has been conducted on their communication styles. Therefore, this article reports the results of a qualitative study using the constructivist grounded theory to analyze data gathered on the communication styles of Japanese women managers. It enumerates the results of semistructured interviews with 27 participants comprising women managers and their male and female employees in both foreign-affiliated and Japanese companies in various industries. The findings indicate Japanese women managers go beyond the traditional dichotomies drawn between task- and relationship-oriented communication to engage in employee-oriented communication by facilitating an open and friendly work environment while motivating their employees to collaborate as a team to achieve their professional goals. Japanese women managers are often encouraged to communicate in such a style because it reflects the stereotypical female role in Japanese society and, as such, is well received by their colleagues.