Manga and Diversity Management in Japan : Understanding the Socio-Business Context for the Development of a Research Framework

diversity management

economic performance

social equality

mindset

In recent years, an increasing number of manga-creation companies in Japan have been producing manga focused on diversity for clients, including companies, government agencies, and other organizations. However, there is still limited understanding of the role these companies play in shaping diversity messaging (narratives) as part of their clients' diversity management strategies. To address this gap, this paper—the first in a series—aims to establish a research framework for studying how manga is used in diversity management. This paper specifically examines how governmental and corporate entities respond to diversity in the context of a perceived workforce crisis driven by a declining labor population. The analysis reveals that the Japanese government ultimately prioritizes economic performance over social equity in response to such crises. This approach often contrasts with government rhetoric on the importance of diversity, sending mixed messages to companies. For companies without proactive diversity initiatives, the usual response is to mimic the actions of others (a mimetic isomorphic process) when they lack solutions of their own. The paper concludes by suggesting methods for exploring alternative perspectives and mindsets on diversity.

ダイトウ ブンカ ダイガク シャカイガク ケンキュウジョ

DAITO BUNKA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH