Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

A grounded investigation of Chinese employees' psychological capital

Han, Y., Brooks, I., Kakabadse, N. K., Zhenglong, P. and Zhu, Y. (2012) A grounded investigation of Chinese employees' psychological capital. Journal of Managerial Psychology (JMP), Special Issue Employee Behavior in China, Part 2. 27(7), pp. 669-695. 0268-3946.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Purpose – This paper explores the “Western” concept of psychological capital in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and highlights critical areas of divergence and notable dimensions of similarity. Design/methodology/approach – This is an empirical study conducted in a wide range of Chinese organisational forms, employing an inductive approach based on critical incident technique. Findings – This research showed that the concept of psychological capital appears to have a degree of applicability and salience in China. A series of dimensions common in Western organisations were found in our research, including Optimism, Creativity, Resiliency, Self-confidence, Forgiveness and Gratitude, Courage and Ambition (Hope). These were found to be common types of psychological capital both in China and in the West. However, the dimensions of Courtesy and Humility (Qian-gong-you-li in Chinese), Self-possession and Sincerity fell into the “different” category. Originality/value – This paper is a first attempt to examine psychological capital in a range of organisational forms and industrial sectors in China using a grounded theory approach. It not only reports various dimensions of Chinese psychological capital, some unique to this research, but also compares and contrasts these dimensions between China and the West, highlighting further research opportunities.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Psychological capital, People's Republic of China (PRC), Chinese Organisational Theory, Culture, Employees
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions > HC94 By region or country > HC427.95 China
H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5548 Industrial psychology
Creators: Han, Yong, Brooks, Ian, Kakabadse, Nada K, Zhenglong, Peng and Zhu, Yi
Publisher: Emerald Insight
Date: 2012
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 669-695
Journal or Publication Title: Journal of Managerial Psychology (JMP), Special Issue Employee Behavior in China, Part 2
Volume: 27
Number: 7
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/02683941211259511
ISSN: 0268-3946
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/4025

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