HRM in Chinese privately owned enterprises

Using an in‐depth case study approach, this study investigates human resource management (HRM) practices in Chinese privately owned enterprises (POEs). While HRM practices in POEs are marketoriented, there is a lack of HR planning, commitment to training and development, and employee involvement and participation. The pragmatic HRM practices in POEs contribute to greater efficiency and rapid expansion of the private enterprise economy, but at the same time are associated with low employee job satisfaction, employees' organizational commitment, and their experience of disadvantages. These are issues that are all likely to cause labor disputes to occur. The findings of this study have significant implications for practitioners and further research. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.