Title: Sustainable human resource management in China: a study of a German multinational corporation

Authors: Marjaana Rehu, Edward J. Lusk, Birgitta Wolff

Addresses: Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39016 Magdeburg, Germany. ' Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39016 Magdeburg, Germany. ' Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39016 Magdeburg, Germany

Abstract: We propose three building blocks of sustainability regarding human resource management: 1. attracting employees; 2. managing their needs; 3. encouraging the workforce to put forth effort by creating motivating incentives. These fundamental aspects of sustainability are examined in the context of a German multinational corporation that has established an operating facility in the People|s Republic of China. Based upon a questionnaire, we find that information on: 1. the importance of work-related goals; 2. individual preferences for particular management styles; 3. performance-reward rankings may be usefully employed to organise these building blocks of sustainability considering the different institutional frameworks.

Keywords: institutional framework; China; Germany; work-related goals; performance rewards; management style; multinational corporations; HRM; human resources management; sustainability; sustainable development; organisational policy.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2006.009076

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2006 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.57 - 72

Published online: 23 Feb 2006 *

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