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1 – 10 of over 6000Keisuke Kokubun and Misako Yasui
As China attracts more and more foreign enterprises today, it is getting more important to consider how to enhance the organizational commitment (OC) of host country employees…
Abstract
Purpose
As China attracts more and more foreign enterprises today, it is getting more important to consider how to enhance the organizational commitment (OC) of host country employees. This paper aims to examine the differences in the relationship between OC and rewards among Chinese managers and Japanese expatriates who work for Japanese manufacturing companies in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze survey data gathered from 539 Chinese managers and 354 Japanese expatriates working for a total of 19 Japanese manufacturing companies in China.
Findings
The findings reveal that, for Chinese managers, role clarity had a stronger influence and autonomy had a weaker influence on OC than for Japanese expatriates. A possible reason is the ethnocentric culture of Japanese companies that leads to Japanese expatriates not sufficiently empowering local human resources. Moreover, there was no difference between senior- and junior-level Chinese managers in the association of any kind of reward with OC.
Research limitations/implications
The most significant limitation concerns its generalizability. The authors recommend that future research use other nations' expatriates as reference groups to objectively clarify the characteristics of Chinese workers, thus testing the validity of this research.
Practical implications
The results of this research may be used to reshape future human-resource-management practices in several types of the company located in China to facilitate attracting and employing the employees most able to make long-term contributions to the company.
Originality/value
Although previous research has elucidated OC–rewards relation in particular countries, it has not met the potential requirements of the expatriates who face the difference in OC–rewards relation with host country national managers. In this sense, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research was the first attempt to tackle this theme by contributing to the literature.
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Chao Ren, Hui Situ and Gillian Maree Vesty
This paper examines the ways in which Chinese university middle managers evaluate subordinate performance in response to the Chinese Double First-Class University Plan, a national…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the ways in which Chinese university middle managers evaluate subordinate performance in response to the Chinese Double First-Class University Plan, a national project that ranks the performance of universities. In exploring compromise arrangements, the hybridised valuing activity of middle managers is found to be shaped by emergent and extant macro-foundations.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative data from 49 semi-structured interviews at five Chinese public universities were conducted. Drawing on macro-foundational studies and the sociology of worth (SW) theory, the analysis helps to identify socially shared patterns of actions and outcomes.
Findings
The findings elucidate the interplay between diverse economic, social, political and institutional values and the compromise-making by middle managers. The authors find that contextual factors restrict Chinese academic middle managers' autonomy, preventing workable compromise. Through the selective adoption of international and local management practices, compromise has evolved into a private differential treaty at the operational level.
Originality/value
A nuanced explanation reveals how the macro-foundations of Chinese society influence middle managers who engage with accounting when facilitating compromise. This study helps outsiders better understand the complex convergence and divergence of performance evaluative practices in Chinese universities against the backdrop of global market-based forces and the moral dimensions of organisational life. The findings have wider implications for the Chinese government in navigating institutional steps and developing supportive policies to enable middle managers to advance productive but also sustainable compromise.
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Yi Wang, Xiaopeng Deng and Hongtao Mao
This paper aims to explore the key risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects under the major public emergencies…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the key risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects under the major public emergencies represented by the novel coronavirus pneumonia pandemic (hereinafter COVID-19) and how the public emergency affected the Personnel Localization Management from three levels: staff turnover rate, the number of different personnel, the salary and performance of workers. The paper also helps to enhance the construction enterprises' response capacity of major public emergencies and provides a comprehensive framework of optimization strategies for the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects (hereinafter projects).
Design/methodology/approach
The main research method of this paper is the case study, and ten representative international construction projects are selected for case study in China construction enterprises (hereinafter CCE). And this study used the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and comparative analysis to find out all potential risk factors under the COVID-19 and analyze how the epidemic affects the Personnel Localization Management of projects which based on the primary data from 10 projects obtained through in-depth interviews and the secondary data from China First Metallurgical Group and Central South Construction Group's Overseas Enterprise.
Findings
The findings show that the outbreak of the major public emergencies not only greatly increased eight risk factors but also directly led to an increase in staff turnover rate. Meanwhile, the numbers of Chinese and local managers and workers are all affected, and an increase in the number and the salary performance of local workers can be reduced, to a certain extent, to the cost-to-output ratio of the projects. The findings would help construction enterprises better cope with Personnel Localization Management and enhance the response capacity of major public emergencies.
Research limitations/implications
This study will broaden researchers' horizons regarding “Personnel Localization Management under major public emergencies” and “risk factors of Personnel Localization Management in an international context.” Furthermore, construction enterprises looking for a better mechanism of Personnel Localization Management can benefit from research findings and lessons learned from the authors' case study during or before an outbreak of major public emergency. Lastly, the framework of optimization strategies for Personnel Localization Management can be used both for research purposes and practice issues in international construction projects.
Practical implications
The findings from the authors' case study offer the direction for international construction enterprises in China and other countries to formulate effective measures, strengthen overseas business and establish a crisis management mechanism for Personnel Localization Management under major public emergencies, and the findings provide emergency plans for projects to improve the public crisis handling capacity and respond to major public emergencies such as the COVID-19.
Social implications
This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 on the Personnel Localization Management of international construction projects from the perspective of personnel. This study provides a theoretical reference for the international construction industry to actively respond to major public emergencies. Besides, the research is conducive to improving the emergency response mechanism in the construction industry, and further promoting the high-quality and globalized development of international construction.
Originality/value
This study provides other researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors affecting the Personnel Localization Management of projects under the COVID-19 and insight for further research on localization management, risk management, and project management.
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Małgorzata Bartosik-Purgat and Wiktoria Rakowska
The main purpose of the study is to identify the differences and similarities in the communication between B2B participants in cross-cultural environments.
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of the study is to identify the differences and similarities in the communication between B2B participants in cross-cultural environments.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methods used in the study are two-fold: the literature analysis is complemented by primary qualitative research conducted in small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in Poland and doing business internationally. The research was focused on two culturally different markets: China and the United States. In the empirical research, the authors used one of the qualitative methods – Individual Depth Interview (IDI).
Findings
General findings showed that the strongest influence of culture was identified among older (+50 years old) business partners. The younger ones are eager to adapt and try to understand others' viewpoints. The research results may be used in creating business communication models in the countries researched for companies that plan to enter both American and Chinese markets.
Practical implications
The results of the study may have useful applied managerial value and be used in cooperation between SMEs' B2B business partners, not only from Poland but also from the whole region of Central and Eastern Europe and the United States and China.
Social implications
The findings may help to understand and communicate with culturally different social groups such as co-workers, students, teachers, etc.
Originality/value
The research presented in the paper covers the gap in the literature because it relates to some new factors (like cultural heritage, age and type of industry) which determine the effectiveness of personal business communication between partners in the international marketplace.
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Huayao Zhang, Junjie Wu, Jing Wen and David Douglas
Determining the role of ethical leadership in the multinational companies’ (MNCs) control practices, the purpose of this paper is to extend Eisenbeiss’ (2012) four central ethical…
Abstract
Purpose
Determining the role of ethical leadership in the multinational companies’ (MNCs) control practices, the purpose of this paper is to extend Eisenbeiss’ (2012) four central ethical leadership orientations into multinational companies’ control contexts – the culturally diversified environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a multiple-case research design, the authors gather qualitative data from four MNC subsidiaries located in China, that connects three potentially diverse cultural contexts: German, Japanese and Chinese.
Findings
The findings of this paper confirm that ethical leadership compliance (or violation) positively (or negatively) contributes to the internalization of organizational practice transfer, moderated by cultural distance between foreign managers and subsidiaries’ employees. The results reveal that informal control and trust act as lubricants in the internalization process.
Originality/value
This paper evidences the connections between ethical leadership, organizational practice transfer and subsequent performance, along with inclusive cultural moderating factors.
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Sihan Jiang, Wenbo Teng, Yuanyuan Huang and Xiao Zhang
Given the great upheaval in the international situation and the increasing operating risk in international business, research on corporate diplomacy is thriving. However, it still…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the great upheaval in the international situation and the increasing operating risk in international business, research on corporate diplomacy is thriving. However, it still lacks clear conceptualization and operationalization. Based on social capital theory, our study conceptualizes corporate diplomacy as a three-dimensional construct and quantifies its distinct and combined impacts on multinational enterprises’ (MNE) subsidiary performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This research analyzes 134 responses collected from a questionnaire survey among key informants in Chinese MNEs using the regression method.
Findings
This research finds that corporate diplomacy is positively correlated with MNEs’ subsidiary performance. Specifically, compatriot-oriented diplomacy is the most effective, followed sequentially by host-partner-oriented and host-regulator-oriented diplomacy. In addition, compatriot-oriented diplomacy substitutes for host-partner-oriented diplomacy but complements host-regulator-oriented diplomacy in enhancing subsidiary performance.
Originality/value
Our research enriches the conceptualization and operationalization of corporate diplomacy and provides a nuanced view of its distinct and combined effects on MNEs’ subsidiary performance.
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Hafiz Muhammad Arshad, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Muhammad Imran, Irem Batool, Muhammad Asrar-ul-Haq and Minhas Akbar
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a framework of regional connectivity in which employees have to work in a cross-cultural environment. This study has extended the…
Abstract
Purpose
China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a framework of regional connectivity in which employees have to work in a cross-cultural environment. This study has extended the leader-member exchange theory by investigating the mediating role of employee commitment (EC) between the relationship of leader-member exchange (LMX) and employee's work-related behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
PLS-SEM technique was used to test the model by utilizing a multi-wave/two-source data collected from employees and their supervisors (n = 500) working in different energy projects of CPEC.
Findings
According to the results/findings, LMX has a significant positive impact on employee commitment, employee performance (EP) and open-minded discussions, but insignificant impact on innovative work behaviour (IWB). Mediating role of employee commitment was significant between the relationship of LMX with EP and open-minded discussions, but insignificant with the IWB.
Originality/value
The study contributes empirical evidence to understanding the leader-member exchange relationship among Chinese managers and Pakistani workers. It also contributes to the LMX theory literature by investigating the effect of LMX on followers' outcomes (employee performance, IWB, open-minded discussions) through employee commitment.
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This paper aims to examine how Chinese multinational enterprises’ (CMNEs) autonomy-style post-merger integration (PMI) modes of managing developed-market targets evolve into…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how Chinese multinational enterprises’ (CMNEs) autonomy-style post-merger integration (PMI) modes of managing developed-market targets evolve into actual-form integration through the lens of ambidexterity.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts multi-case comparisons with content analysis. A data set was collected from 37 conversations by in-depth interviewing 29 respondents regarding four cases of Chinese acquisitions in the German market.
Findings
This study develops a three-stage framework that theorised CMNEs’ autonomy PMIs’ evolution to actual-form integration over time and the effect on acquisition value based on structural, temporal and contextual ambidexterity manifestations. The findings divide the evolutionary trajectory into two sub-trajectories, from great autonomy to autonomy-integration balanced or full integration, to illuminate the effect of different degrees of actual-form integration on value creation or value destruction.
Originality/value
The existing literature on CMNEs’ PMI discovered that CMNEs frequently grant ample autonomy when managing targets acquired from developed markets. However, long-term acquisition benefit is dependent on combining autonomy and actual-form integration; insights into how this can be accomplished are limited. The research is unique in that it reveals the evolutions of CMNEs’ PMIs on developed-market targets, from autonomy to actual-form integration through the lens of ambidexterity.
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Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi, C.W. Chathurani Silva, Oluwole Alfred Olatunji and Chamil Erik D. Ramanayaka
Migrant construction workers, significant in many developed economies, face several challenges, which place them at a higher risk of job dissatisfaction compared to locals…
Abstract
Purpose
Migrant construction workers, significant in many developed economies, face several challenges, which place them at a higher risk of job dissatisfaction compared to locals. Therefore, this study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction amongst a specific group of migrant construction workers, who hold temporary work visas (TWVs) in New Zealand (NZ).
Design/methodology/approach
An explanatory research approach was used to investigate the determinants of job satisfaction identified through the literature review. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 200 Chinese migrants on TWVs (short stays) working on selected major projects in the Auckland region. Data analysis involved T-test and structural equation modelling (SEM) of 102 valid questionnaire responses.
Findings
The study highlights the importance of providing opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression for migrant construction workers to improve their job satisfaction. The results found that Chinese migrant construction workers are generally satisfied with their jobs and would extend their stay if job opportunities are provided. The results confirm that remuneration and opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression lead to increased job satisfaction, while loneliness decreases job satisfaction. The opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression triggered more satisfaction than remuneration.
Originality/value
The research result provides a useful knowledge base for understanding the determinants of job satisfaction amongst Chinese migrant construction workers with TWVs. These findings have implications for employment management practices within the construction industry and could enhance immigration information policies and other recruitment agencies' approaches to sourcing overseas workers for the NZ construction industry.
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This study aims to inspect the organizational culture of academic libraries in Vietnam and China, and the objective was to investigate how the academic libraries in Vietnam and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to inspect the organizational culture of academic libraries in Vietnam and China, and the objective was to investigate how the academic libraries in Vietnam and China differ in organizational culture’s task, unity and status orientations.
Design/methodology/approach
This study surveyed 546 academic library staff in China and Vietnam to fulfill this objective. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and paired t-tests are used to explore whether the organizational culture in the academic libraries in Vietnam and China is different in terms of task orientation, unity orientation and status orientation.
Findings
The results from the data concluded that academic libraries in Vietnam had a higher score on task and status orientations than their Chinese counterparts. In this study, there were no coherent factors regarding unity orientation.
Practical implications
This research expresses several solutions to address the problems in academic libraries in Vietnam and China. Scholars and practitioners can benefit from this research as it is a foundation to support them in understanding the organizational culture of libraries in two countries.
Originality/value
This research expands the scope of organizational culture literature in the Asian library sector. Given that no prior studies have compared the library cultures between the two countries, this study is a novelty. The findings of this research can support academic library staff, leaders and practitioners in Vietnam and China to understand their organizational culture. The research also identifies some recommendations to improve the academic library culture in Vietnam and China.
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