Rewarding but Inequitable: Document Analysis of Chinese Personnel System Reforms in 33 Research Universities

• In Event: Equitable Education Systems and Comparative Organizational Perspectives

Abstract

This study examined whether neoliberal theory explains Chinese universities' personnel reforms since the 2000s. Our analysis explores the reform’s origin, implementation, and impact by reviewing institutional faculty evaluation and promotion policies. Neoliberal theory predicts the governmental officials’ important roles while elaborating the functions of monitoring and incentive systems. The Chinese tenure system is envisaged from the theory to be efficient and highly rewarding in terms of processes and outcomes. Due to socio-political differences in the Chinese context, there are some exceptions that go beyond neoliberal theory, including government-budgeted posts, the pivotal role of institutional leaders, and the inequality that results. The results of this study shed light on a more equitable Chinese tenure reform as well as neoliberal practices.

Authors

• Yu MENG, Central China Normal University

• Xiaopei Peng, University of Victoria