DIFFERENCES IN INCIDENCES OF ABSENTEEISM AND DISCIPLINE BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND NON‐VIETNAMESE EMPLOYEES

Abstract

The differences in incidences of absenteeism and discipline between Vietnamese and non‐Vietnamese employees in a food processing plant were examined Subjects were 80 non‐Vietnamese and 35 Vietnamese refugees living in a medium‐sized midwestern city. Three forms of motivational absenteeism (single‐day absences, part‐day absences, and no‐calls) and one form of ability to attend absenteeism (multiple‐day absences) were examined Two forms of discipline, warnings and suspensions, were also examined Based on a presumed impact of Confucianism upon Vietnamese work values, it was predicted that Vietnamese employees, compared to non‐Vietnamese employees, would experience less motivational absenteeism, less absence‐related discipline, and no difference in ability to attend absenteeism. All hypothesis were supported Potential impact of the research on cultural stereotypes and on the employment recruiting and selection process are discussed.