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Values of Chinese generation cohorts: Do they matter in the workplace?

Author

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  • Tang, Ningyu
  • Wang, Yumei
  • Zhang, Kaili

Abstract

Based on evolutionary modernization theory (Inglehart, 1997, in press), this study investigates generational differences in basic human values (Schwartz et al., 2012) in the Chinese workplace. A significant series of economic events was used to differentiate three generational cohorts: pre-reform, reform, and post-reform. Using a nationwide sample of employees (N=2010) from state-owned, private and foreign-invested companies, we explored intergenerational differences and similarities in basic human values. We found an increasing openness to change across cohorts, and a surprising upswing in conservation in the post-reform generation. However, we also found similarities in conservation, self-enhancement, and self-transcendence values between the pre-reform and post-reform generations. We also explored how the effects of values on employee behaviors changed across cohorts. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Ningyu & Wang, Yumei & Zhang, Kaili, 2017. "Values of Chinese generation cohorts: Do they matter in the workplace?," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 8-22.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:143:y:2017:i:c:p:8-22
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2017.07.007
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    Cited by:

    1. Mark Legg & Timothy Webb & Apostolos Ampountolas, 2022. "Marketing to the next generation of casino patrons," Journal of Marketing Analytics, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 89-101, March.
    2. Yuqiong Zhou & Tao He & Feng Lin, 2022. "The Digital Divide Is Aging: An Intergenerational Investigation of Social Media Engagement in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Xiaoru Xie & Liman Huang & Jun (Justin) Li & Hong Zhu, 2020. "Generational Differences in Perceptions of Food Health/Risk and Attitudes toward Organic Food and Game Meat: The Case of the COVID-19 Crisis in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Fangjian Wu & Guiyao Tang & Wei Sun, 2018. "Exploring ‘new generation’ employees’ green tactics in environmental protection in China," Asia Pacific Business Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(4), pages 510-527, August.

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