#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda University #Public Administration #Link and Motivation

Introduction to the Research Collaboration

Waseda University’s Institute of Contemporary Political Economy, led by Professor Tetsuro Kobayashi, has formalized a collaborative research agreement with Link and Motivation, a consultancy firm based in Tokyo. The research initiative aims to evaluate how organizational improvements in local governments can enhance effectiveness and public service delivery. Professor Hiroaki Inatsuki, an expert in administrative studies, public management, and local government, will serve as the lead researcher. His extensive experience in human resource management within the public sector and advisory roles in various governmental committees provides a solid foundation for this research project.

Research Objectives and Context

Given the growing concerns surrounding human resource challenges in local governments—such as recruitment difficulties, high turnover rates of young employees, and a shortage of managerial candidates—there is a pressing need to understand the factors impacting employee motivation and engagement. While prior studies have explored human resource systems and motivation within the sphere of Japanese public administration, empirical research using actual data focused specifically on how local government employee motivation influences performance and organizational outcomes remains scarce.
Link and Motivation's previous research has established a correlation between employee engagement and turnover/absentee rates. This joint study aims to delve deeper, analyzing the relationship between employee motivation and both individual performance and organizational outcomes. The research will further examine how these factors ultimately relate to the value provided to residents.

Anticipated Outcomes

The findings from this collaborative research are expected to clarify how investments in human resources and organizational development in local governments can yield tangible results. The goal is to not only bolster organizational improvement efforts but also contribute new insights to the fields of administrative studies and public management.
The research is set against a backdrop of significant staffing challenges faced by municipalities, which have been exacerbated in recent years. By uncovering the connections between employee motivation, performance, and organizational success, this partnership seeks to redefine how local governments approach human resource management.

Future Directions of the Research

Moving forward, the research team will analyze data from participating municipalities to develop their findings, with plans to disseminate results through academic presentations, publications, and press releases. The insights garnered from this study will be shared back with local government human resource policies and organizational development practices, aiming to contribute significantly to better organizational structures across Japan.

About Professor Hiroaki Inatsuki

Professor Hiroaki Inatsuki of Waseda University’s Graduate School of Political Science and Economics boasts an impressive academic and professional background. After obtaining his Ph.D. in law from Kyoto University, he worked as a local government official for approximately 13 years before transitioning to academia, specializing in administrative studies and public management. Alongside his research, he has served on various national research committees and was an advisor to Osaka City's digital transformation initiative, underscoring his extensive involvement in practical public administration.

Overview of Link and Motivation

Founded in April 2000, Link and Motivation operates out of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Under the leadership of Chairman Yoshio Kosaka, the company, listed under the Tokyo Stock Exchange with securities code 2170, has a robust capital base of 1.38 billion yen. The firm’s core businesses include organizational development, personal development programs, and talent matching services. As a pioneer in consulting and support services, Link and Motivation is committed to enhancing public sector effectiveness in collaboration with academic institutions.