著者

加藤 恭子

出版者

日本経営学会

雑誌

日本経営学会誌 (ISSN:18820271)

巻号頁・発行日

no.28, pp.53-65, 2011-12-28

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This paper tries to identify and to explain potential antecedents that lead better Work-Life Balance (WLB) perceptions of Japanese expatriates. The thirteen interviews conducted in a Midwestern state of the United States reveal that there are several possible antecedents. Especially, American social system of parenting, American culture of individualism and valuing family, and job characteristics (job clarity) largely influenced on the better perception of WLB. From the interviews, the author finds that American social system, especially at a community-level, requires the Japanese expatriates, all males in this case, be much more involved in parental activities, such as rides, after school curriculums, and school activities for their children than they used to do in Japan. They first felt that the society forced them to do so, but they gradually get used to and even enjoy their new roles after all. The more they frequently interact with their children, the better they perceive that they have a good balance between their work and life (family). The author also finds that working with American colleagues significantly influences Japanese expatriates on their time management, especially hours of work and taking vacations. Their collectivistic characteristics may make them be afraid of being different from their American colleagues (they are majority in this case) and, consequently, make it easier to shift their views to the American value of individualism and family. The shift removes the expatriates' hesitation of taking leaves and long vacations for their family. Finally, job clarity at an individual-level gives the Japanese expatriates a discretion regarding how to work, which makes them feel controllable to their work schedule. In addition, job clarity at a workplace-level reduces interruptions and unexpected meetings, which also makes them easier to manage their work hours. Based on these findings, theoretical and practical implications are discussed.