Exploring the Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Employee Recognition: An Analysis of Recognition Practices in Chinese Businesses

Abstract

This research investigated the existing employee recognition methods in Chinese businesses and assessed their effectiveness. An in-depth interview was conducted in a commercial bank and a telecommunication company in China. Data was collected from thirty managers who were asked to share their opinions on employee recognition effectiveness and then analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The findings indicate that an effective recognition scheme included increased job satisfaction, employee motivation, work performance, and employee commitment. Furthermore, it suggested that organizational culture, the various forms of recognition practices, awareness of giving recognition, communication, and managerial skills, can all influence recognition effectiveness. This study adds to the development of a theoretical model to help understand what makes employee recognition more effective and to clarify the value generated by effective recognition. It also contributes to the understanding of employee recognition in the Chinese workplace. Practically, this study gives recommendations to managers regarding how to better evaluate their employee recognition systems and how to improve their effectiveness.

Keywords

• employee recognition
• recognition effectiveness
• employee motivation
• qualitative research