The Influence of Power Distance on CSR Programs in Hainan China
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 The nflueI nce of Power Distance on CSR Programs in Hainan China Carol Ann Hoshiko Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis Commons, Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, and the Other Sociology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Carol Hoshiko has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Mark Gordon, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Jason Lum, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. William Benet, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract The Influence of Power Distance on Corporate Social Responsibility Programs by Carol Ann Hoshiko MA, San Jose State University, 1984 BS, University of Colorado, 1977 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University June 2015 Abstract As China emerges as one of the world’s top 5 economies, it attracts more multinational corporations (MNCs) that want to expand there and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. Despite this emergence, since China entered the World Trade Organization, it has not perceived or welcomed MNCs in the same manner as in the 1970s to 1990s. Further, MNCs have had challenges adapting Western-style CSR programs in China’s local communities. There is no widely-accepted multidisciplinary theory that integrates CSR, organizational culture, and culture. Hofstede’s theory of cultural relativism classified China as a high power distance country where the population has a strong acceptance of large social differences. The purpose of this case study was to discover the extent to which Hofstede’s cultural dimension of power distance impacts MNC CSR programs offered in Hainan, China. Five MNC executives and 1 government sector representative were interviewed, and were reviewed in 5 organizations in Hainan, China. Cross case analyses showed that CSR programs were mutually accepted by the local communities and government. Some local community members, however, did not passively accept what those in higher socioeconomic positions believed about the efficacy and need for CSR programs. Rather, local community and government appeared to collaborate, regardless of the government leaders, who are perceived to have more power and influence. These results can inform policy makers, MNCs, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations about cultural relativity and its impact on MNCs doing business in foreign communities. The Influence of Power Distance on Corporate Social Responsibility Programs by Carol Ann Hoshiko MA, San Jose State University, 1984 BS, University of Colorado, 1977 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Public Administration Walden University June 2015 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my colleagues and friends in Hawai`i, China, and Hainan Province who introduced me to and helped me learn about a fascinating country and culture. Every time I visited China was a memorable experience that taught me more about the intricacies and importance of relationships that influence all aspects of life, including personal, professional, social, and political. Although China’s face and practices are changing, its 5,000-year-old culture and core values are slow to change. It has been fascinating to witness how the old and new coexist with dynamic tension, like Yin and Yang. I realized that I could spend a lifetime studying China and never fully understand its complexities. Nonetheless, I feel extremely blessed and thankful that I was able to do and to learn what I have, a mere grain of sand in the infinite universe. I am also happy that I made lifelong friendships and witnessed the awakening of the sleeping dragon-- China. Acknowledgments As I near the end of my PhD journey, I want to thank the people who helped me along the way. First, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my sister, Martha, who made it possible for me to leave my elderly mother in her caring hands so I could conduct my field research in Hainan, China. I also thank my mother for her unconditional love and support throughout my life and for my father’s confidence in me. Although my father passed away in 2011, I know he is watching me from Nirvana. In addition, I thank my younger sister, Gail, for helping me and keeping me sane. For the Walden faculty and fellow students, I thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your comradeship. As for my mentor and doctoral chairman, Dr. Mark Gordon, there are no words sufficient enough to thank you for your extreme patience, wisdom, guidance, and belief in me. Without your coaching and an occasional kick in the pants, I would not have made it to this point. I also thank my committee members, Dr. Lum and Dr. Benet, for your understanding, support, and expertise. Also, if it had not been for my interpreter, I would still be wandering around in Hainan. Keahi helped get me to my destinations, interpreted as skillfully, and taught me more about Chinese culture. I thank my beloved adult children who watched me study and spend countless hours researching and typing on the computer. When I felt discouraged, they lifted me up and believed I would achieve the goal that I set for myself. I love you, my grandchildren, and great grandsons. Finally, I thank my professional contacts in Honolulu, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Hainan who contributed to my research study and to my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Louise Pagotto, who helped edit and make sense of my writing. Table of Contents List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .................................................................................................................. viii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background of MNC Experiences .......................................................................... 1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................4 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................5 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................5 Research Question .........................................................................................................6 Theoretical Base.............................................................................................................6 Definition of Terms........................................................................................................7 Assumptions ...................................................................................................................8 Limitations .....................................................................................................................9 Delimitations ................................................................................................................10 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................11 Summary ......................................................................................................................11 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................13 Four Thematic Segments .............................................................................................13 Corporate Social Responsibility ..................................................................................14 CSR Linkages ....................................................................................................... 16 CSR Stages, Values, and Elements ....................................................................... 18 i CSR Classification ................................................................................................ 20 Best Practices ........................................................................................................ 21 Organizational Culture .................................................................................................22 CSR and Organizational Culture .......................................................................... 25 Multiple Stakeholders