The management of human resources in Chinese-Western joint ventures

The recruitment, development, motivation, and retention of competent and high-performing Chinese professionals and managers is a major challenge for foreign firms operating in China. This article analyzes how local managers and professionals are managed in Western companies' manufacturing joint ventures. The investigation is based on interviews conducted in 65 Chinese-Western joint ventures. The study revealed that a variety of Western human resources management practices have been implemented in China. However, few Western companies make a total transfer to China of policies and practices from the foreign company's home country operations. This article suggests practices that will be successful in the Chinese context.