Theory Testing Under Adverse Conditions: Motivation to Manage in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

Research in the United States based on the hierarchic role-motivation theory indicates that motivation to manage rises with job level and is higher in the for-profit sector. The present research was designed to investigate these relationships in a sample of 170 employed individuals in the People's Republic of China. A review of the literature suggested that the applicability of the hierarchic role-motivation theory in China is problematic. Nevertheless, the results indicate that motivation to manage rises with position level and is higher (though minimally) in the for-profit sector. The findings are interpreted in terms of their relevance for the convergence hypothesis.