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Social Responsibility toward the Employees and Career Development Sustainability during Manufacturing Transformation in China

Author

Listed:
  • Xuemei Lu

    (School of English for International Business, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou 510420, China)

  • Wenzhong Zhu

    (School of Business, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Fu-Sheng Tsai

    (Department of Business Administration, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
    Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
    Super Micro Mass Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan)

Abstract

In an era of industrial transformation, manufacturing employees have faced significant threats (e.g., Artificial Intelligence technologies). Against such a backdrop, this study empirically examined the relationship between social responsibility toward the employees (CSRe) and career development sustainability, since non-contractual organizational supports are as important for employees’ career development as those outlined within contracts. We examined relevant issues in the Chinese manufacturing industry by using decision tree analysis coupled with grey relation processing. CSRe was conceptualized by four dimensions: working benefit, working environment, working hours, and training, while career development sustainability was captured from the perspectives of career growth and employability. The results indicated that four factors of social responsibility toward employees were positively associated with career growth and employability under career development sustainability. In addition, the strongest correlation was between training and career growth as well as employability. This study contributes by enriching the current research on corporate social responsibility from the standpoint of employees, and also generates implications for career development sustainability. Studying in a context of timely importance, this paper has practical implications for manufacturers to respond to the human resource dilemma under the impact of new technology, and thus could help employees embark on a long-term career path, which is conducive to socially sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuemei Lu & Wenzhong Zhu & Fu-Sheng Tsai, 2019. "Social Responsibility toward the Employees and Career Development Sustainability during Manufacturing Transformation in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:17:p:4778-:d:263136
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. María del Mar Ramos-González & Mercedes Rubio-Andrés & Miguel Ángel Sastre-Castillo, 2022. "Effects of socially responsible human resource management (SR-HRM) on innovation and reputation in entrepreneurial SMEs," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 1205-1233, September.
    3. Menger Tu & Sandy Dall'erba & Mingque Ye, 2022. "Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Chinese Artificial Intelligence Innovation Network," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-17, April.
    4. Mónica Santana & Rafael Morales-Sánchez & Susana Pasamar, 2020. "Mapping the Link between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Human Resource Management (HRM): How Is This Relationship Measured?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-28, February.

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