ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses research questions that are more quantitative in nature than those in the case study chapters. It aims to: (1) investigate the status quo of the HR department and the existence of HR activities in the industrial enterprises; (2) examine the extent to which HR activities are currently conducted and are expected to be conducted in the future, and respondents’ perceived effectiveness of some HR practices; (3) explore the impact that ownership types have on HR practices; and (4) analyse probable paths of HRM development in the future. The survey was used in 1994–5 to provide a wider context for the case studies and a follow-up survey was conducted in 2001–2 to update the information about HR practices used and the development of trends in HRM in China. The survey questionnaire was divided into three major parts: the background of the enterprises and respondents surveyed; the enterprise’s HR department including its structure, the HR manager, the activities conducted and the department’s perceived importance; and the existence, practices and perceived effectiveness of seven major HR activities.
