The Accidental Office Lady

by Kriska, Laura

• ISBN13: 9784805311561
• ISBN10: 4805311568
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-09-10
• Publisher: Tuttle Pub

Summary

A young woman with a new degree in Japanese studies and plenty of youthful idealism and can-do spirit accepts a job as the first American trainee at Honda's headquarters in Tokyo. Her image of Japanese corporate life is dramatically challenged on her first day at work when she is issued a blue polyester uniforma uniform worn only by women! From menial beginnings serving tea to executives and cleaning the boss's desk, to a stint in public relations, to developing training classes for Japanese associates going to America, Laura Kriska recounts her struggle to adapt toand ultimately thrive inthe culture of a traditional Japanese company. Shortly before her departure, she travels full circle by introducing a successful campaign to make women's uniforms optional. Now with a new foreword by the author, The Accidental Office Ladyis a vivid and valuable firsthand account not only of corporate Japan and the gender inequality that persists within it, but of an outsider's successful attempt to work within cultural boundaries to affect organizational change.

Author Biography

Laura Kriska is a leading Japanese business consultant specializing in communication and teamwork. She is dedicated to creating successful relationships between Japanese and Americans in the workplace. Kriska's writing has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Working Woman, Self, and Mangajin.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Prologue

Uniform

Office Ladies

Ms. Mori

Sisters and Uncles

Conformity and the Helicopter Ride

Alone

Finding Myself on the Map

The Maverick

The Art of Negotiation

Lessons on Mt. Fuji

Transition

Salaryman

The Factory

Life in Sayama

Culture Lessons

Permanent Effects

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