The Influence of Job Attributes and Culture on Job Productivity

Abstract

This comparative study of over 3,600 public servants across China, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, India, and the United States examines the influence of material and nonmaterial job attributes and cultural factors on employees’ perceptions of job productivity. Compared to the U.S. respondents, the respondents from Asia Pacific reported higher levels on one dimension of job productivity (perceived job efficiency) but lower levels on another dimension (perceived job effectiveness). Like their American counterparts, the perceived job productivity of Asia Pacific respondents was affected more by their satisfaction with nonmaterial job attributes than their satisfaction with material job attributes. Three distinctive national cultural factors were found to affect perceived job productivity: social ties, personal responsibility, and group focus.