Implications of Human Resource Management Reform for the Well-being of Academics in Chinese Universities

Abstract

This study utilises the ‘mixed methods approach’ to explore how Chinese universities have reformed human resource management (HRM) and how the reform has influenced the well-being of academics. The findings demonstrate that the current HRM policies and practices in Chinese universities are mixed combining modern HRM practices and traditional ‘iron rice bowl’ personnel management methods, and they reveal that the relationship between HRM practices and employee well-being is neither direct nor unconditional; a win-win scenario for both management and employee well-being is possible when organisations pursue HRM innovations. This study is significant to relevant theoretical and empirical research.