Introduction

In this introduction to this volume, we ask ‘Whither Chinese HRM?’ We explore the applicability of the concept of ‘paradigm’ to management in the Chinese context. Moving from the general to the particular, we discuss the notion of ‘paradigm-shift’ both in the natural and social sciences, moving on to the field of management studies and asking where this impinges on all things Chinese, including its HRM. A number of new original empirical studies chosen for this edited collection are then discussed vis-avis the above-mentioned themes. Of particular interest, is whether there is a dominant existing paradigm in play and what might be the prospect for the future. However, all things considered, we conclude that it would be premature as yet to say whether there is a ‘new paradigm’ emerging in the field.