Impact of background characteristics and gender-role attitudes on Chinese perceptions of selection criteria in employment

Abstract

A random sample of 699 (327 men and 372 women) currently employed Chinese subjects participated in a study that examined their perceptions of common selection criteria in employment. Results of factor analysis showed that various selection criteria could be grouped under four underlying factors. In general, participants rated the Psychological Attribute factor as the most important criterion, followed closely by the Experience and Skill factor, and viewed the Physical Attribute and Demographic factors as the least important. Results of hierarchical regression analyses showed that participants’ gender–role attitudes, especially those towards men’s and women’s roles in education, marriage and social interactions, were the most salient predictors of their perceptions towards the selection criteria. This remained true even after controlling for participants’ background characteristics. Participants’ gender, age and educational attainment were also predictive of their appraisal of various selection criteria in employment.