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Generational Differences in Work Values, Perceived Job Rewards, and Job Satisfaction of Chinese Female Migrant Workers: Implications for Social Policy and Social Services

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Abstract

This cross-sectional survey study is a pioneering attempt to investigate the generational differences in the work values, perceived job rewards, and job satisfaction of Chinese female migrant workers. The study targeted two toy factories in the Guangdong Province of China and recruited a total of 1,307 female workers as participants. Among them were 577 female migrant workers who comprised the target group for this research. The authors hypothesized that the younger generation of female migrant workers would have higher levels of cognitive work values (such as self-enhancement and career development) but lower levels of perceived job rewards and job satisfaction than those of the older generation. The results indicate that there are no generational differences in work values among the three birth cohorts of Chinese female migrant workers. The older generation felt more satisfied with the job rewards that they received, and their sense of job satisfaction was higher than that of the younger generation. Furthermore, the findings showed a substantial positive influence of perceived social job rewards (such as support from co-workers and supervisors) on job satisfaction among the younger generation. The current findings suggest that in China, generational differences in work are affected by both the generation factor and the rural–urban stratification factor. The authors hope that the study will provide a knowledge base for understanding the perceptions of Chinese female migrant workers toward work and for exploring the ways in which new policies and social services can be developed in order to address their needs.

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Acknowledgments

Part of the findings presented in this paper are based on the data of a research study funded by the South China Programme, Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong

    Siu Ming To

  2. Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

    Hau Lin Tam

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  1. Siu Ming To
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  2. Hau Lin Tam
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Correspondence to Siu Ming To.

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To, S.M., Tam, H.L. Generational Differences in Work Values, Perceived Job Rewards, and Job Satisfaction of Chinese Female Migrant Workers: Implications for Social Policy and Social Services. Soc Indic Res 118, 1315–1332 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0470-0

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