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  • September 2012
  • Supplement
  • HBS Case Collection

Hiroshi Mikitani Reflects and Provides Early Updates on Englishnization (November, 2011)

By: Tsedal Neeley
  • Format:Video
  • | Language:English
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Abstract

CEO of Rakuten, Hiroshi Mikitani, candidly responds to controversial questions about his Englishnization strategy and implementation across 7,100 employees a year and a half later: Did he make an impulsive move when he mandated English as the company language? Why does he enforce a universal mandate? How has he adjusted his stance on how to elicit commitment from his employees over time? Is he imposing the pursuit of being a role model company of a new Japan on his employees?

Keywords

Language; Culture; Communication Barriers; Dynamic Global Marketplace; Rapid Change; Change Management; Ethnicity; Communication; Globalization; Management Teams; Japan

Citation

Neeley, Tsedal. "Hiroshi Mikitani Reflects and Provides Early Updates on Englishnization (November, 2011)." Harvard Business School Video Supplement 413-703, September 2012.
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About The Author

Tsedal Neeley

Organizational Behavior
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More from the Author
  • Timnit Gebru: 'SILENCED No More' on AI Bias and The Harms of Large Language Models By: Tsedal Neeley and Stefani Ruper
  • Developing a Digital Mindset: How to Lead Your Organization into the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI By: Tsedal Neeley and Paul Leonardi
  • The Digital Mindset: What It Really Takes to Thrive in the Age of Data, Algorithms, and AI By: Paul Leonardi and Tsedal Neeley
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