Attitudes and values in Chinese manufacturing companies A comparison with Japanese, South Korean and Hong Kong companies

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate employee values and work-related attitudes in Chinese manufacturing companies in comparison with values and attitudes in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach - The paper will investigate employee values at the societal level, attitudes toward the employing organization, work and the determinants of pay. A survey was conducted in two plants in the electronics industry in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. A standardised questionnaire comprising 39 items was developed by the Denki Ringo research group. Findings - The results of an empirical study in Asian manufacturing companies indicate significant differences, as well as similarities, among values at the societal level and job-related attitudes in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. It is argued that the differences in work-related attitudes are influenced by the respective societies' historical legacy, and in particular differences in institutional development. Research limitations/implications - In order to draw broader conclusions, it is necessary to explore alternative explanations and conduct further empirical research in other industries. Practical implications - Multinationals interested in developing manufacturing in China could benefit from information given in this paper about the work-related attitudes of Chinese employees compared to employees in other Asian societies, where they may already have experience. Originality/value - This study contributes to the understanding of factors influencing values and work-related attitudes at the societal, organizational, and individual level.