China’s Workforce Dynamics: A Conceptual Framework for Assessing Employee Work Attitudes in Shanghai

Abstract

China has witnessed the emergence of significant labour-related phenomena, exemplified by the “Nei Juan” and “Tang Ping” movements, alongside the widespread adoption of the “996” overtime working schedule. These developments have had far-reaching consequences, manifesting in heightened job dissatisfaction and adverse health effects among Chinese employees. Consequently, these shifts in working conditions have disrupted perceptions of traditional Chinese work ethics, precipitating a transformation in Chinese work attitudes. While prior research on Chinese work attitudes has predominantly revolved around Confucian values, it has become increasingly evident that employees in China are evolving expectations in the workplace. The conventional norms may no longer encapsulate the entirety of their work attitudes. In light of these transformations, this study aims to shed light on the dynamic landscape of contemporary Chinese work attitudes, seeking to cultivate a more nuanced understanding of this evolution. The study’s findings are expected to contribute substantively to developing a comprehensive conceptual framework, delving into the intricate interplay of generational differences, personality traits, and organizational culture in moulding the work attitudes of employees in Shanghai. By integrating pertinent theories encompassing Person-Organization fit and generational cohorts, we have devised a robust conceptual model to facilitate comprehension of these evolving work attitudes.