Chinese ethnicity and values: a country cluster comparison

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare value clusters of people from the same ethnic group living in different circumstances and conditions by describing the conditions and measuring various value dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe nature of the concept values is teased out, particularly by considering pressures towards convergence and divergence and the validity of scaling values. A brief description of the socio‐economic and cultural environment of the various countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China) leads into the analysis of data. Collected data were analysed through factor analysis to consider clustering of values and to facilitate comparison.FindingsThe paper indicates that there is a significant overlap between clustered values across different locations, which, however, shows minor differences. The paper implies that ethnicity and cultural heritage determine values more than socio‐economic circumstances.Research limitations/implicationsIt is not an in‐depth analysis of Chinese culture and Chinese values and represents a selected population. Findings are likely to differ when considering an older segment of the population.Practical implicationsThe paper confirms the cultural similarity between people of the same ethnic group yet points out important nuance differences between people of different countries.Originality/valueIn view of the rising importance of China as a world player, this paper sheds light on the notion of “being Chinese” and its subsequent value system amongst ethnic Chinese people in selected countries.