Workforce Reduction Strategies in Chinese Government Reforms: Comparing Reduction Strategies and Influential Factors

Abstract

This study examines the application of workforce reduction strategies in the context of Chinese government reforms, with particular attention on the types of strategies employed and the factors that influence them. The strategies investigated include introducing attrition activities, encouraging early retirement and laying off employees. The study first provides a review of key issues in the literature on workforce reduction within government reform, as well as the historical development of Chinese downsizing reforms. The study then explains the research data and analytical techniques used to evaluate the relative importance and implementation measures of each strategy and examining influential factors to their use. The analytical findings indicate attrition as the most preferred strategy, while emphasizing specific concerns for implementing layoffs and early retirement. The study concludes with discussions about lessons learned from the workforce reduction experience in Chinese reforms and their implications for the broader literature on government reforms.