The Informal Structure of Senpai (Seniors), Kohai (Juniors), and Doki (Peers) in Japanese Organizations
In Japanese organizations, those who join earlier are called <i>senpai</i> (seniors), those who join later are <i>kohai</i> (juniors), and those who join in the same year are called <i>doki</i> (peers). The relationships among senpai, kohai, and doki function as a...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Encyclopedia |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/5/2/49 |
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| Summary: | In Japanese organizations, those who join earlier are called <i>senpai</i> (seniors), those who join later are <i>kohai</i> (juniors), and those who join in the same year are called <i>doki</i> (peers). The relationships among senpai, kohai, and doki function as an informal hierarchical structure working in tandem with the formal job-based organizational hierarchy. These relationships are deeply rooted in unique Japanese concepts, such as <i>ba</i>, the Confucian cultural tradition that influenced the formation of Japanese society, and the historical background of large organizations in modern Japan. Specifically, the seamless school-to-work transition due to the batch hiring of new graduates every April creates a similar hierarchical structure to that of senpai, kohai, and dokyusei (classmates) in schools. The balance between the formal job-based hierarchy and informal seniority-based (senpai–kohai–doki) hierarchy has been the base of the stable and harmonious organizational characteristics that enable effective knowledge management and efficient operations but poses challenges in adapting to new environments. |
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| ISSN: | 2673-8392 |