What Do Employers Want? Views of Chinese and Canadian Job Seekers

Abstract Rapid globalization has led to many studies of cross‐cultural issues and their implications for management. As China's importance in the international economy rises, the level of international business cooperation continues to increase. This paper first identifies differences in the cultural orientations of Chinese and Canadians entering the job market and then examines how these orientations are related to their perceptions of the criteria employers use when hiring. The analyses show that the cultural differences are not consistent with Hofstede's previous work. Further, there are significant differences in the qualities that are considered important when seeking a job. The results of this study increase mutual understanding and improve business relationships between the two countries. (Edited by Zhinan Zhang)