Xie, Daibin; (2019) Cultural influences in Chinese workspace: national, regional, industrial and organisational effects. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

In the past few decades a growing body of researchers has revealed the significant influence of culture on workspace design. However, the topic has been scarcely examined in China. Addressing the knowledge gap, this research examines the cultural influence on Chinese workspaces and regional, industrial and organisational differences. Based on the literature review, it is suggested that national, regional and industrial cultures form the pre-organisational context and shape people’s initial workspace preferences and perception patterns. But these initial preferences may be moderated by organisational factors. Following the logic, two empirical studies were designed. The first study quantitatively analysed pre-organisational effects based on data coming from two phases of Workspace-Culture Survey conducted in some Chinese cities (n=834). The results highlighted the importance of spatial qualities of personal territory and social facets of workspace. Regional and industrial preferences in general followed the national trend, but the importance of workspace factors appeared to vary across regions and industries. Regional and industrial effects on workspace satisfaction were significant too. Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses further suggest that different cultural dimensions were associated with different aspects of workspace. The second study focused on organisational effects. Data from a sample of 286 employees in eight offices of four companies in two industries were analysed. The four companies all have a presence in both Guangzhou and Shanghai. The results revealed the significant influence of organisational factors on employees’ workspace cognition, and the importance of psychological adaptation of employees to their workspace. In the research, a historical review on ancient Chinese administrative buildings was also conducted to aid research design and interpretation of research findings. The findings enrich knowledge about the different roles of culture in creating successful workspace and can potentially be developed and applied at a practical level to better inform workspace practices in China.

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