attitudes and values

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Attitudes and values in Chinese manufacturing companies
A comparison with Japanese, South Korean and Hong Kong companies
Ruth Alas
Estonian Business School, Tallinn, Estonia
Abstract
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.

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