Maintaining Yoshino’s traditional hierarchy: the roles of gender and race in Japanese transplant management

Abstract

Examines one particular sector of a Japanese affiliate based in the USA, namely female Japanese local hires. Uses the format of an ethnographic diary, with examples from the experiences of a female American local hire. Shows how gender, race and language affect the dynamics of daily communication between male Japanese expatriate managers and their subordinate staff. From the perspective of a participant‐observer at Yoshino Corp., uses examples from the day‐to‐day office environment to demonstrate how managers and staff relate to each other. Elements of this daily communication reinforce a hierarchy and power structure which keeps Japanese women from positions of authority and control. Explains how culturally dominant attitudes of Japanese expatriates towards non‐Asians can play a significant role in managerial decision making.