Confucianization through globalization: evidence from the US

ISSN： 2040-8005

Source： Journal of Chinese Human Resource Management, Vol.3, Iss.2, 2012-09, pp. : 118-135

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Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the non-economic outcome of globalization, the penetration of Confucian philosophy into the Western workforce, as represented by the USA. Design/methodology/approach - With a survey method, a sample of 581 East Asians, American-born Asian Americans, immigrant Asian Americans, and Caucasian Americans in the USA were included in the study. Statistical analysis was used to test three hypotheses. Findings - The findings revealed that Confucian philosophy has penetrated in the Western world. The presence of Confucian philosophy was identified, but varied by cultural background, gender, education, and work experience. Practical implications - The results revealed an important aspect of the non-economic outcomes of globalization and may offer explanations for the effects of racio-ethnic diversity on affective reactions, performance, and social processes within groups. The results may be used to inform organizational diversity management and training for a meaningful intercultural understanding in relation to attitude and behavior change under the intensified globalization process. Originality/value - This is an initial attempt to examine a non-economic outcome of globalization, Confucianization, in the Western workplace with the evidence from the USA. While most recent studies in this area have been focused on the economic impact of globalization in organizations, this research examined the culture penetration of Confucian philosophy from the East to the West.