Employers' Associations in Asia by John Beson Ying Zhu Howard Gospel

Author:John Beson, Ying Zhu, Howard Gospel [John Beson, Ying Zhu, Howard Gospel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
ISBN: 9781317372844
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Published: 2017-06-26T04:00:00+00:00

7

Employers’ associations in China

Promoting interaction among the key stakeholders

Qijun Jiang and Ying Zhu

Introduction

The peak body of employers’ associations in China, namely the China Enterprise Confederation/China Enterprise Directors Association (CEC/CEDA), was established in 1979 as part of the national government policy of ‘economic reform’ and ‘open door to outside world’ (CEC/CEDA 2015). The major function of this body, based on its leaders’ statements, is to promote interaction between the government and enterprises (Wang 2015). This function appears to differ substantially from the function found in other economies such as Singapore, where the major function is tripartite engagement (see Chapter 5, this volume). Such a unique approach towards the role and function of employers’ associations reflects a particular reality of industrial relations (IR) systems in China, namely that the government is very strong and trade unions may be seen as a branch of the government body. Given this context, engagement with trade unions is less important and tripartite engagement need not be specifically mentioned in mission statements.

We begin with a description of the reality in China’s overall IR context, in particular the role of employers’ associations. Thus far, there have been many publications on the role and functions of trade unions in China (Hui and Chan 2014; Pringle 2011; Taylor, Chang and Li 2003; Zhu et al. 2011), but limited research and publications in Chinese and English literature have been available on the role and function of employers’ associations in China.

This chapter aims to tackle a key question: What are the major roles and functions of employers’ associations in China under the economic reform process? The remainder of the chapter provides an overview of the national context within which employers’ associations are engaged with government, help member enterprises, and are involved in policy and legislation on labour laws, industrial planning and workforce development. The overview of the national context offers an understanding of the structure and strategies of the associations’ peak body. To complement the analysis and before drawing conclusions, the chapter assesses the scope and level of influence the employers’ associations have on employment, economic and industrial development, and IR systems in China.

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