Role stress reduction and cultural mediators in overseas Japanese companies

This qualitative exploratory study adopts a role theory perspective to examine the role of cultural mediators in reducing role stress experienced by staff in Japanese companies in Australia. The results reveal cultural mediators contribute to allay role stress that exists between Japanese expatriates and non-Japanese host country staff. Japanese expatriate managers are prone to rely on cultural mediators due to their boundary spanner role. Although cultural mediators are perceived to be effective in reducing role stress, our study uncovers potential negative consequences. Thus, reliance on cultural mediators must be cautiously managed.