In November month’s Knowledge Sharing Session at dRi, the team had the opportunity to learn from Keiko Yoshida, Ph.D., Associate Professor at St. Andrew University. She shared insights from her study, “Meaning of Work and Labor Supply: The Case of the White Puzzle,” which examines how even minimal perceptions of meaning can influence individuals’ willingness to work.
The session brought together faculty and researchers, including Dr. Hasan Ashraf and Kazuyo Minamide, Ph.D., whose presence further enriched the discussion.
Professor Yoshida offered an engaging overview of the historical context surrounding her research. She touched upon Japanese-style employment practices, wage politics in both Japan and the United States, and the wider shifts triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also spoke about current labor market dynamics and how these broader trends connect to her experimental work.A significant part of her presentation focused on the experimental approach she used in Japan and the key findings that emerged from the study. Her work sheds light on the subtle ways in which perceived meaning can shape labor supply – an insight that opens up important conversations about worker motivation and labor economics.
dRi extends its sincere appreciation to Professor Keiko Yoshida for sharing her expertise and contributing to an informative and thought-provoking session. Her insights added depth to our understanding of labor behavior and created a valuable learning experience for the entire team.
