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Unions and the productivity performance of multinational enterprises: evidence from China

Author

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  • Tony Fang

    (Xihua University
    Memorial University of Newfoundland)

  • Ying Ge

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Youqing Fan

    (Western Sydney University)

Abstract

This paper uses the economic census data of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the Chinese manufacturing industry to investigate the effects of Chinese unions on firm productivity. We show that Chinese unions have a significant “collective voice” effect by participating in a wide range of decision-making and production-related activities. The empirical evidence suggests that the presence of Chinese unions in MNEs is positively associated with enterprise productivity. We also find that the union productivity effects are stronger in MNEs than those in domestic private firms and that the effectiveness of unions is more significant in skill-intensive industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Tony Fang & Ying Ge & Youqing Fan, 2019. "Unions and the productivity performance of multinational enterprises: evidence from China," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 281-300, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:18:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1057_s41291-018-00052-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-018-00052-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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