Title: Decision-making delegation: implications for Chinese managers' performance and satisfaction

Authors: Steve Bakalis, Therese A. Joiner, Zhou Zie

Addresses: School of Applied Economics, Faculty of Business and Law, Victoria University, Footscray Park Campus, 3011, Melbourne, Australia. ' School of Business, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia. ' Asia-Australia Business College, Liaoning University, No. 66 Chongshan Middle Road, Shenyang, 110031, PR China

Abstract: In many Western organisations, decision-making delegation is an important management process contributing to organisational effectiveness. We examine whether the delegation process is equally effective in Chinese organisations given the difference in cultural values between Chinese and Western cultures (where most management research originates). Using a sample of Chinese managers the findings of our study suggest that delegation is positively associated with performance and job/supervisor satisfaction, however, as the work context becomes more uncertain, Chinese managers report experiencing diminished delegated responsibility. These finding have implications for human resource development and training in the international arena.

Keywords: delegation; performance; job satisfaction; supervisor satisfaction; Chinese values; decision making; China; cultural values; human resources development; HRD; training; uncertainty.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2007.017135

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.286 - 299

Published online: 15 Feb 2008 *

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