Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Business Economics 3/2011

01-05-2011 | ZfB-Special Issue 3/2011

Recruiting channels of foreign subsidiaries in Japan

Authors: Dr. oec. HSG Fabian Jintae Froese, Vesa Peltokorpi

Published in: Journal of Business Economics | Special Issue 3/2011

Log in

Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.

search-config
loading …

Abstract

Despite increasing interest in recruitment and selection, surprisingly little is known regarding recruiting practices and channels in foreign subsidiaries. This study focuses on the utilization and success of recruiting channels of foreign subsidiaries in Japan. Interviews with 40 company managers show that recruitment strategies in foreign subsidiaries progress through different stages. Lacking social networks but possessing substantial financial resources, small and newly established subsidiaries rely primarily on headhunters. However, larger subsidiaries with longer presence in Japan tend to diversify and localize their recruitment channels. Owing partly to a reduction in ethnocentric attitudes, foreign subsidiaries in certain industries are capable of attracting high-quality job candidates. Overall, the interviews revealed that referrals are the best recruiting channel for the production of high-quality candidates who fit in well, exhibit high company loyalty, and perform well on the job.

Dont have a licence yet? Then find out more about our products and how to get one now:

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 102.000 Bücher
  • über 537 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Automobil + Motoren
  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Elektrotechnik + Elektronik
  • Energie + Nachhaltigkeit
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Maschinenbau + Werkstoffe
  • Versicherung + Risiko

Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Journal of Business Economics

From January 2013, the Zeitschrift für Betriebswirtschaft (ZfB) is published in English under the title Journal of Business Economics (JBE). The Journal of Business Economics (JBE) aims at encouraging theoretical and applied research in the field of business economics and business administration, promoting the exchange of ideas between science and practice.

Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Online-Abonnement

Mit Springer Professional "Wirtschaft" erhalten Sie Zugriff auf:

  • über 67.000 Bücher
  • über 340 Zeitschriften

aus folgenden Fachgebieten:

  • Bauwesen + Immobilien
  • Business IT + Informatik
  • Finance + Banking
  • Management + Führung
  • Marketing + Vertrieb
  • Versicherung + Risiko




Jetzt Wissensvorsprung sichern!

Literature
go back to reference Abegglen JC (1958) The Japanese factory: aspects of its social organization. Free Press, New York Abegglen JC (1958) The Japanese factory: aspects of its social organization. Free Press, New York
go back to reference Ahmadijian CL, Robinson P (2001) Safety in numbers: downsizing and the deinstitutionalization of permanent employment in Japan. Adm Sci Q 46:622–654CrossRef Ahmadijian CL, Robinson P (2001) Safety in numbers: downsizing and the deinstitutionalization of permanent employment in Japan. Adm Sci Q 46:622–654CrossRef
go back to reference Aldrich HE (1999) Organization evolving. Sage, London Aldrich HE (1999) Organization evolving. Sage, London
go back to reference Barber AE, Wesson MJ, Robertson QM, Taylor MS (1999) A tale of two job markets: organizational size and its effects on hiring practices and job search behaviour. Pers Psychol 52:841–867CrossRef Barber AE, Wesson MJ, Robertson QM, Taylor MS (1999) A tale of two job markets: organizational size and its effects on hiring practices and job search behaviour. Pers Psychol 52:841–867CrossRef
go back to reference Behrenz L (2001) Who gets the job and why? An exploratory study of employers’ recruitment behaviour. J Appl Econ 2:255–278 Behrenz L (2001) Who gets the job and why? An exploratory study of employers’ recruitment behaviour. J Appl Econ 2:255–278
go back to reference Bhaskar-Shrinivas P, Harrison D, Schaffer MA, Luk DM (2005) Input-based and time-based models of international adjustment: meta-analytical evidence and theoretical extensions. Acad Manag J 48(2):257–281CrossRef Bhaskar-Shrinivas P, Harrison D, Schaffer MA, Luk DM (2005) Input-based and time-based models of international adjustment: meta-analytical evidence and theoretical extensions. Acad Manag J 48(2):257–281CrossRef
go back to reference Björkman I, Lu Y (1999) The management of human resources in Chinese-Western joint ventures. J World Bus 34(2):1–19 Björkman I, Lu Y (1999) The management of human resources in Chinese-Western joint ventures. J World Bus 34(2):1–19
go back to reference Björkman I, Smale A, Sumelius J, Suutari V, Lu Y (2008) Changes in institutional context and MNC operations in China: subsidiary HRM practices in 1996 versus 2006. Int Bus Rev 17:146–158CrossRef Björkman I, Smale A, Sumelius J, Suutari V, Lu Y (2008) Changes in institutional context and MNC operations in China: subsidiary HRM practices in 1996 versus 2006. Int Bus Rev 17:146–158CrossRef
go back to reference Bouquet C, Birkinshaw J (2008) Weight versus voice: how foreign subsidiaries gain attention from corporate headquarters. Acad Manag J 51:577–601CrossRef Bouquet C, Birkinshaw J (2008) Weight versus voice: how foreign subsidiaries gain attention from corporate headquarters. Acad Manag J 51:577–601CrossRef
go back to reference Breaugh JA, Greising LA, Taggart JW, Chen H (2003) The relationship of recruiting sources and pre-hire outcomes: examination of yield ratios and applicant quality. J Appl Psychol 33:2267–2287CrossRef Breaugh JA, Greising LA, Taggart JW, Chen H (2003) The relationship of recruiting sources and pre-hire outcomes: examination of yield ratios and applicant quality. J Appl Psychol 33:2267–2287CrossRef
go back to reference Carroll M, Marchington M, Earnshaw J, Taylor S (1999) Recruitment in small firms: processes, methods and problems. Empl Relat 21:236–250CrossRef Carroll M, Marchington M, Earnshaw J, Taylor S (1999) Recruitment in small firms: processes, methods and problems. Empl Relat 21:236–250CrossRef
go back to reference Chiavacci D (2006) Die “Schwarzen Schiffe” in der japanischen Arbeitswelt: Wahrnehmung und Popularität von ausländischen Firmen als Arbeitgeber. In: Japanstudien: Jahrbuch des Deutschen Instituts für Japanstudien, vol 18. Iudicium, Munich, pp 27–59 Chiavacci D (2006) Die “Schwarzen Schiffe” in der japanischen Arbeitswelt: Wahrnehmung und Popularität von ausländischen Firmen als Arbeitgeber. In: Japanstudien: Jahrbuch des Deutschen Instituts für Japanstudien, vol 18. Iudicium, Munich, pp 27–59
go back to reference Finlay W, Coverdill JE (2000) Risk, opportunism, and structural holes: how headhunters manage clients and earn fees. Work Occup 27(3):377–405CrossRef Finlay W, Coverdill JE (2000) Risk, opportunism, and structural holes: how headhunters manage clients and earn fees. Work Occup 27(3):377–405CrossRef
go back to reference Finlay W, Coverdill JE (2002) Headhunters: matchmaking in the labor market. Cornell University Press, London Finlay W, Coverdill JE (2002) Headhunters: matchmaking in the labor market. Cornell University Press, London
go back to reference Froese FJ, Vo A, Garrett T (2010) Organizational attractiveness of foreign-based companies: a country of origin perspective. Int J Sel Assess 18(3):271–281 Froese FJ, Vo A, Garrett T (2010) Organizational attractiveness of foreign-based companies: a country of origin perspective. Int J Sel Assess 18(3):271–281
go back to reference Gatewood RD, Growan MA, Lautenschlager GJ (1993) Corporate image, recruitment image, and initial job choice decisions. Acad Manag J 36(2):414–427CrossRef Gatewood RD, Growan MA, Lautenschlager GJ (1993) Corporate image, recruitment image, and initial job choice decisions. Acad Manag J 36(2):414–427CrossRef
go back to reference Grund C (2006) Mitarbeiterrekrutierung ueber das Internet—Marktanalyse und empirische Untersuchung von Determinanten und Konsequenzen fuer die Arbeitnehmer. Z Betriebswirtschaft 76(5):451–472CrossRef Grund C (2006) Mitarbeiterrekrutierung ueber das Internet—Marktanalyse und empirische Untersuchung von Determinanten und Konsequenzen fuer die Arbeitnehmer. Z Betriebswirtschaft 76(5):451–472CrossRef
go back to reference Han Z, Froese FJ (2010) Recruiting and retaining R&D professionals in China. Int J Technol Manag 51(2/3/4):387–408 Han Z, Froese FJ (2010) Recruiting and retaining R&D professionals in China. Int J Technol Manag 51(2/3/4):387–408
go back to reference Han J, Han J (2009) Network-based recruiting and applicant attraction in China: insights from both organizational and individual perspectives. Int J Hum Resour Manag 20(11):2228–2249CrossRef Han J, Han J (2009) Network-based recruiting and applicant attraction in China: insights from both organizational and individual perspectives. Int J Hum Resour Manag 20(11):2228–2249CrossRef
go back to reference Hausdorf PA, Duncan D (2004) Firm size and internet recruiting in Canada: a preliminary investigation. J Small Bus Manag 42(3):325–334CrossRef Hausdorf PA, Duncan D (2004) Firm size and internet recruiting in Canada: a preliminary investigation. J Small Bus Manag 42(3):325–334CrossRef
go back to reference Holtbrügge D, Friedmann C, Puck J (2010) Personnel recruitment and retention in foreign firms in India: a resource-based view. Hum Resour Manag 49(3):439–455 Holtbrügge D, Friedmann C, Puck J (2010) Personnel recruitment and retention in foreign firms in India: a resource-based view. Hum Resour Manag 49(3):439–455
go back to reference Honda Y (2004) The formation and transformation of the Japanese system of transition from school to work. Soc Sci Jpn J 7(1):103–115CrossRef Honda Y (2004) The formation and transformation of the Japanese system of transition from school to work. Soc Sci Jpn J 7(1):103–115CrossRef
go back to reference Jacoby S (2005) The embedded corporation: corporate governance and employment relations in Japan and the U.S. Princeton University Press, Princeton Jacoby S (2005) The embedded corporation: corporate governance and employment relations in Japan and the U.S. Princeton University Press, Princeton
go back to reference Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (1997) Survey on the change in corporate staffing and training practices. Federation of Economic Organizations, Tokyo Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (1997) Survey on the change in corporate staffing and training practices. Federation of Economic Organizations, Tokyo
go back to reference Japanese Ministry of Labor (1999) White paper on labor Japanese Ministry of Labor (1999) White paper on labor
go back to reference Japan Institute for Labor Policy and Training (2004) Labor situation in Japan and analysis 2004/2005. Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training, Tokyo Japan Institute for Labor Policy and Training (2004) Labor situation in Japan and analysis 2004/2005. Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training, Tokyo
go back to reference Leung A (2003) Different ties for different needs: recruitment practices of entrepreneurial firms at different developmental phases. Hum Resour Manag 42(4):303–320CrossRef Leung A (2003) Different ties for different needs: recruitment practices of entrepreneurial firms at different developmental phases. Hum Resour Manag 42(4):303–320CrossRef
go back to reference Leung A, Zhang J, Wong PK, Foo MD (2006) The use of networks in human acquisition for entrepreneurial firms: multiple “fit” considerations. J Bus Ventur 21:664–686CrossRef Leung A, Zhang J, Wong PK, Foo MD (2006) The use of networks in human acquisition for entrepreneurial firms: multiple “fit” considerations. J Bus Ventur 21:664–686CrossRef
go back to reference McNerney DJ (1996) The shape of things to come. Hum Resour Manag Int Dig 4(4):23–25 McNerney DJ (1996) The shape of things to come. Hum Resour Manag Int Dig 4(4):23–25
go back to reference Mourdoukoutas P (1992) Economic barriers for foreign affiliates in Japan: the high cost of local labour. Int J Manpow 13(9):65–73CrossRef Mourdoukoutas P (1992) Economic barriers for foreign affiliates in Japan: the high cost of local labour. Int J Manpow 13(9):65–73CrossRef
go back to reference Newburry W, Gardberg N, Belkin LY (2006) Organizational attractiveness is in the eye of the beholder: the interaction of demographic characteristics with foreignness. J Int Bus Stud 37(5):666–686 Newburry W, Gardberg N, Belkin LY (2006) Organizational attractiveness is in the eye of the beholder: the interaction of demographic characteristics with foreignness. J Int Bus Stud 37(5):666–686
go back to reference Ono H (2007) Careers in foreign-owned firms in Japan. Am Sociol Rev 72(2):267–290CrossRef Ono H (2007) Careers in foreign-owned firms in Japan. Am Sociol Rev 72(2):267–290CrossRef
go back to reference Peltokorpi V, Froese FJ (2009) Organizational expatriates and self-initiated expatriates: who adjusts better to work and life in Japan? Int J Hum Resour Manag 20(5):1095–1111 Peltokorpi V, Froese FJ (2009) Organizational expatriates and self-initiated expatriates: who adjusts better to work and life in Japan? Int J Hum Resour Manag 20(5):1095–1111
go back to reference Peltokorpi V (in press) Performance-related reward systems (PRRS) in Japan: practices and preferences in Nordic subsidiaries. Int J Hum Resour Manag Peltokorpi V (in press) Performance-related reward systems (PRRS) in Japan: practices and preferences in Nordic subsidiaries. Int J Hum Resour Manag
go back to reference Phillips JM (1998) Effects of realistic job previews on multiple organizational outcomes: A meta-analysis. Acad Manag J 41:673–690CrossRef Phillips JM (1998) Effects of realistic job previews on multiple organizational outcomes: A meta-analysis. Acad Manag J 41:673–690CrossRef
go back to reference Ployhart RE (2006) Staffing in the 21st century: new challenges and strategic opportunities. J Manag 32(6):868–897CrossRef Ployhart RE (2006) Staffing in the 21st century: new challenges and strategic opportunities. J Manag 32(6):868–897CrossRef
go back to reference Pudelko M, Harzing AW (2007) Country-of-origin, localization, or dominance effect? An empirical investigation of HRM practices in foreign subsidiaries. Hum Resour Manag 46(6):535–559CrossRef Pudelko M, Harzing AW (2007) Country-of-origin, localization, or dominance effect? An empirical investigation of HRM practices in foreign subsidiaries. Hum Resour Manag 46(6):535–559CrossRef
go back to reference Raisanen H (2007) Comparative analysis on the job-broking market in Japan and Finland. Discussion Papers, No. 370, Government Institute for Economic Research Finland (VATT), Finland Raisanen H (2007) Comparative analysis on the job-broking market in Japan and Finland. Discussion Papers, No. 370, Government Institute for Economic Research Finland (VATT), Finland
go back to reference Ranger-Moore J (1997) Bigger may be better, but is older wiser? Organizaitonal age and size in the New York life insurance industry. Am Sociol Rev 62:903–920CrossRef Ranger-Moore J (1997) Bigger may be better, but is older wiser? Organizaitonal age and size in the New York life insurance industry. Am Sociol Rev 62:903–920CrossRef
go back to reference Robinson P (2003) The embeddedness of Japanese HRM practices: the case of recruiting. Hum Resour Manag Rev 13:439–465CrossRef Robinson P (2003) The embeddedness of Japanese HRM practices: the case of recruiting. Hum Resour Manag Rev 13:439–465CrossRef
go back to reference Saks AM, Ashforth BE (1997) A longitudinal investigation of the relationships between job information sources, applicant perceptions of fit, and work outcomes. Pers Psychol 50:395–426CrossRef Saks AM, Ashforth BE (1997) A longitudinal investigation of the relationships between job information sources, applicant perceptions of fit, and work outcomes. Pers Psychol 50:395–426CrossRef
go back to reference Schuler RS, MacMillan IC (1984) Gaining competitive advantage through human resource management practices. Hum Resour Manag 23(3):241–255CrossRef Schuler RS, MacMillan IC (1984) Gaining competitive advantage through human resource management practices. Hum Resour Manag 23(3):241–255CrossRef
go back to reference Schultz TW (1971) Investment in human capital. Free Press, New York Schultz TW (1971) Investment in human capital. Free Press, New York
go back to reference Sekiguchi T (2007) A contingency perspective of the importance of PJ fit and PO fit in employee selection. J Manag Psychol 22(2):118–131 Sekiguchi T (2007) A contingency perspective of the importance of PJ fit and PO fit in employee selection. J Manag Psychol 22(2):118–131
go back to reference Sekiguchi T (2006) How organizations promote person-environment fit: using the case of Japanese firms to illustrate institutional and cultural influences. Asia-Pacific J Manag 23:47–69CrossRef Sekiguchi T (2006) How organizations promote person-environment fit: using the case of Japanese firms to illustrate institutional and cultural influences. Asia-Pacific J Manag 23:47–69CrossRef
go back to reference Tokoro M (2005) The shift towards American-style human resource management systems and the transformation of workers’ attitudes at Japanese firms. Asian Bus Manag 4:23–44CrossRef Tokoro M (2005) The shift towards American-style human resource management systems and the transformation of workers’ attitudes at Japanese firms. Asian Bus Manag 4:23–44CrossRef
go back to reference Turban DB, Lau CM, Ngo HY, Chow IH, Si S (2001) Organizational attractiveness of firms in the People’s Republic of china: a person-organization fit perspective. J Appl Psychol 86:194–206CrossRef Turban DB, Lau CM, Ngo HY, Chow IH, Si S (2001) Organizational attractiveness of firms in the People’s Republic of china: a person-organization fit perspective. J Appl Psychol 86:194–206CrossRef
go back to reference Windolf P (1986) Recruitment, selection, and internal labor markets in Britain and Germany. Organ Stud 7(3):235–254CrossRef Windolf P (1986) Recruitment, selection, and internal labor markets in Britain and Germany. Organ Stud 7(3):235–254CrossRef
go back to reference Zaheer S (1994) Overcoming the liability of foreignness. Acad Manag J 18(6):341–363 Zaheer S (1994) Overcoming the liability of foreignness. Acad Manag J 18(6):341–363
go back to reference Zottoli MA, Wanous JP (2000) Recruitment source research: current status and future directions. Hum Resour Manag Rev 10(4):353–382CrossRef Zottoli MA, Wanous JP (2000) Recruitment source research: current status and future directions. Hum Resour Manag Rev 10(4):353–382CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Recruiting channels of foreign subsidiaries in Japan
Authors
Dr. oec. HSG Fabian Jintae Froese
Vesa Peltokorpi
Publication date
01-05-2011
Publisher
SP Gabler Verlag
Published in
Journal of Business Economics / Issue Special Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 0044-2372
Electronic ISSN: 1861-8928
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-011-0454-y

Other articles of this Special Issue 3/2011

Journal of Business Economics 3/2011 Go to the issue

ZfB-Special Issue 3/2011

Foreign or National?

ZfB-Special Issue 3/2011

Editorial