Securing the Workforce: Diversity Management in X-tech, a Japanese Organisation

Japan is world renowned for its quality production and efficient management, lean. However, economic stagnation - and a bottom score in the OECD statistics on women participation in the workforce - has forced the Japanese government to focus on the economic benefits of diversity in Corporate Japan. In this case, we present the story of the general manager Mieko Suzuki, who worked in the Japanese subsidiary of an American multinational information technology company - X-tech. In 2012, Mieko Suzuki was head-hunted to create a more inclusive work environment in the Japanese subsidiary. She knew the Japanese organisation first-hand and had successfully navigated the road to become a manager in a conservative industry. One day she was approached by the company president about joining a new initiative by the executive management group to foster diversity. Mieko accepted the offer but was it even possible to change an organisation known for its focus on harmony and group processes – in a work environment where traditional norms of the Japanese society persist? The case is targeted bachelor, master and MBA students in management communication and politics. This case is part of the CBS free case collection (visit www.thecasecentre.org/CBSfreecases for more information on the collection). This case can be downloaded by educators as a clean pdf by viewing the on-line inspection copy. Access is unlimited and you may print as many copies as you wish for use with your students.