Accepting Chinese Workers as Workforce: Internationalization of Japanese Construction Industry
Author Name
Dr. Rong Zhang
Author Address
Associate Professor, Nishinippon Institute of Technology, 1-2-11, Muro-machi, Kokura-kita, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, Tel : +81-93-563-2901, e-mail:
[email protected]
Keywords
Chinese Diaspora in Japan
Abstract
The demographic changes in Japan brought on by a declining and rapidly aging population have fostered severe shortages in the labor force. This has significantly impacted activities in construction, an industry that is considered hazardous with low pay and less than desirable working conditions. Unable to staff positions from the domestic labor force, many construction companies have turned to the foreign labor market to fill the gap. To better understand the social and economic effects of this phenomenon, this paper examines the employment and living conditions of a sample of these migrant workers. Based on interviews with both workers and managers, we focus on the problems encountered by construction worker adapting to the social environment and discuss what improvements should be made to better accommodate these individuals. This study suggests that more efforts are needed to embrace diversity if Japan wants to accept more foreign workers to boost its economy and realize faster progress in globalization.
Conference
International Conference on "Global Migration: Rethinking Skills, Knowledge and Culture"