Challenges and Strategies of Effective Intercultural
Communication in a Multicultural Workplace:
A Comparison Study Between Local and Foreign Staff
Seoh Koon TAN (Josai University）
Takashi Masuyama（Josai University）
Abstract
This comparison study aimed to explore similarities and differences between Japanese and
foreign staff in challenges and strategies of effective intercultural communication. Data were
collected from a medium-sized university in Japan, where 11 non-academic staff from Japan,
Czech Republic, Hungary and China were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative
content analysis and findings were discussed based on cultural and national values of the
dominant culture. Not to draw conclusion or answer the research questions completely, this
study intended to shed new light on the issue that brings new ideas for future studies.