Changing Labour Policies and Organization of Work in China: Impact on Firms and Workers

The transition of China's economy from a centrally planned to a market-oriented system has led to increased social disparity and inequality in employee income and employment conditions. This book explores the nature of these changes and their effects on state-owned, foreign-owned, and domestic private enterprises, discussing employees' satisfaction with their employment conditions and their expectations for future changes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The transition of China's economy from a centrally planned to a market-oriented system has brought about significant changes in management systems and practices at the firm level, particularly in terms of the organization of work. This transformation has resulted in growing social disparity, manifested by unequal income and employment conditions among employees. In response to this, this book, based on extensive original research encompassing interviews and questionnaire surveys conducted across various regions of China, aims to explore the intricacies of these changes and their consequences. It examines state-owned enterprises, foreign-owned enterprises, and domestic private enterprises, delving into the level of satisfaction among employees with their employment conditions and their perception of fairness. Additionally, it sheds light on how managers and employees in China anticipate future changes in these conditions.

The shift towards a market-oriented economy in China has had a profound impact on the management systems and practices within firms. This transformation has led to significant changes in the organization of work, with a particular focus on the distribution of income and employment conditions among employees. One of the most notable consequences of this shift is the increasing social disparity observed in the country. This disparity is reflected in the unequal distribution of income and employment opportunities, which has led to a growing gap between the rich and the poor.

The transition from a centrally planned to a market-oriented economy has also had a significant impact on the employment conditions of employees. In the past, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) were the dominant players in the Chinese economy, and they provided stable employment with good benefits and salaries. However, with the introduction of market-oriented reforms, SOEs have been privatized, leading to a decline in employment opportunities and a reduction in benefits. On the other hand, foreign-owned enterprises (FOEs) have been attracted to China by its growing market and have brought with them new management practices and employment conditions. FOEs often offer higher salaries and better working conditions, but they are also more likely to be subject to market fluctuations and may face greater competition.

Domestic private enterprises (DPEs) have also emerged as a significant player in the Chinese economy. DPEs are privately owned and operated businesses that are free from government control and regulation. They have the flexibility to adapt to market changes and can offer competitive salaries and benefits. However, DPEs also face challenges such as limited access to capital and resources and a lack of established infrastructure.

The level of satisfaction among employees with their employment conditions varies widely across different sectors of the economy. Employees in SOEs and FOEs often report lower levels of satisfaction compared to those in DPEs. This is primarily due to the decline in employment opportunities and the reduction in benefits in SOEs and FOEs. Employees in DPEs, on the other hand, are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction due to their greater flexibility and competitive salaries and benefits.

Despite the growing social disparity and the challenges faced by employees in different sectors, there are also signs of hope for the future. Many managers and employees in China believe that the country's economy will continue to grow and that employment conditions will improve. They are optimistic about the potential for innovation and technological advancements to create new job opportunities and improve working conditions.

In conclusion, the transition of China's economy from a centrally planned to a market-oriented system has had a profound impact on management systems and practices at the firm level. This transformation has led to increasing social disparity, manifested by unequal income and employment conditions among employees. While foreign-owned enterprises and domestic private enterprises have offered better employment conditions, SOEs and FOEs have faced challenges. However, there are signs of hope for the future, with managers and employees in China optimistic about the potential for economic growth and improved employment opportunities.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367695347