The many faces of suzhi in the Chinese organization and society: Implications for multinational HRM practice

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore the Chinese concept of suzhi and how it relates to behavioral standards within mainland Chinese society and the workplace. The article provides a general discussion of suzhi and its inherent elements to act as a foundation for the education of expatriate managers and executives and for future research by Chinese human resource management (HRM) scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the author's first-hand experience and observations from five years of living and working abroad in mainland China with Chinese companies and executives.

Findings

The concept of suzhi in China is a reflection of multiple behavioral standards throughout China. And while suzhi's roots are in ancient Chinese culture and Confucianism, it is also subject to influence and change.

Practical implications

The paper may serve as a foundation both for expatriate managers seeking to improve HRM practices in foreign companies in China and future scholars who wish to conduct further research on suzhi and Chinese behavioral standards as they can be applied to the workplace.

Originality/value

This is an attempt to enlighten expatriate managers and executives in China on the concept of suzhi and its implication for HRM in China.

Citation

Upton-McLaughlin, S. (2014), "The many faces of suzhi in the Chinese organization and society: Implications for multinational HRM practice", Journal of Chinese Human Resource Management, Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCHRM-01-2014-0004