Evaluating the Effectiveness of Compensation Systems on Employee Motivation and Retention in Auto Parts Enterprises in Wuhan, China: Basis For Human Resource Optimization Strategy

Authors

  • Yihui Li Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila. Metro Manila, Philippines.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v10ispecial_1.3436

Keywords:

compensation systems, employee motivation, employee retention, human resource optimization, auto parts industry

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of compensation systems in enhancing employee motivation and retention within auto parts enterprises in Wuhan, China, aiming to provide a basis for human resource optimization strategies. Employing a quantitative-correlational research design, the study surveyed 379 employees from diverse demographic profiles and analyzed their perceptions of compensation systems, including monetary and non-monetary components such as benefits, career development opportunities, recognition, and equity. Findings revealed that compensation systems significantly influence employee motivation and retention, with monetary compensation, career development, and recognition being key factors. Notable differences were observed in the assessment of compensation effectiveness and motivation levels based on demographic variables, such as age, income, and tenure, underscoring the importance of tailored HR strategies. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for refining compensation practices, enhancing equity, and fostering professional growth to sustain workforce satisfaction and organizational competitiveness. Future research is recommended to examine longitudinal effects and cross-industry comparisons to broaden the understanding of compensation dynamics.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Author Biography

Yihui Li, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila. Metro Manila, Philippines.

0009-0008-3392-357X; Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila Campus, Philippines. yihui.li@lpunetwork.edu.ph

References

Adams, J. S. (1963). Toward an understanding of inequity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(5), 422-436. doi:10.1037/h0040968

Aguinis, H. (2019). Performance management for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.

Albrecht, S. L., Bakker, A. B., Gruman, J. A., Macey, W. H., & Saks, A. M. (2019). Employee engagement, human resource management practices and competitive advantage. Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, 6(2), 141-160. doi:10.1108/JOEPP-01-2019-0001

Alfes, K., Shantz, A., & Bailey, C. (2020). Enhancing HRM systems for employee proactivity and creativity: The role of work design. Human Resource Management Review, 30(3), 100703. doi:10.1016/j.hrmr.2019.100703

Bethel Automotive Safety Systems Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Bethel Auto: http://www.bethel-auto.com/

Boselie, P., Brewster, C., & Paauwe, J. (2020). Employee management in Europe: A review. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(2), 165-199. doi:10.1080/09585192.2019.1674303

Boxall, P., & Macky, K. (2019). High-involvement work processes, work intensification and employee well-being. Work, Employment and Society, 33(2), 297-313. doi:10.1177/0950017018824829

Breaugh, J. A. (2013). Employee recruitment. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 389-416. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143757

Changzhou Xingyu Automotive Lighting Systems Co., Ltd. Retrieved from Xingyu Lighting: http://www.xylighting.com/

Chen, X., & Huang, R. (2020). Compensation system equity and employee turnover: A meta-analytical review. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(4), 573-598. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2020.1737162

Chen, Y., & Huang, Q. (2020). Challenges and strategies in human resource management in China’s auto parts industry. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(10), 1253-1272. doi:10.1080/09585192.2019.1567489

Chen, Y., Liu, H., & Xu, W. (2020). Job satisfaction and intrinsic motivation in the automotive industry. Journal of Industrial Relations, 62(1), 67-82. doi:10.1177/0022185620932329

Chen, Y., Wu, L., & Wang, H. (2022). Government policies and the development of the auto industry in Wuhan. Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies, 20(1), 45-60. doi:10.1080/14765284.2022.1956789

Conway, E., Fu, N., Monks, K., Alfes, K., & Bailey, C. (2020). Demands or resources? The relationship between HR practices, employee engagement, and emotional exhaustion within a hybrid model of employment relations. Human Resource Management, 59(1), 1-14. doi:10.1002/hrm.21981

Cooke, F. L., Dickmann, M., & Parry, E. (2021). COVID-19 and HRM: Emerging challenges and research opportunities. Journal of Business Research, 131, 232-237. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.09.018

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage Publications. doi:10.4135/9781506326171

De Vos, A., & Meganck, A. (2020). What HR managers do versus what employees value: Exploring both parties' views on retention management from a psychological contract perspective. Personnel Review, 49(6), 1361-1380. doi:10.1108/PR-08-2019-0451

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2271-7

Fang, H., & Liu, Y. (2023). Human resource management in China's auto parts industry: Challenges and strategies. Journal of Industrial Relations, 45(2), 123-136. doi:10.1177/00221856221123568

Farndale, E., & Sanders, K. (2021). Conceptualizing HRM system strength through a cross-cultural lens: A comparative study of three countries. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(3), 1-30. doi:10.1080/09585192.2019.1677266

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Fuyao Group: https://www.fuyaogroup.com/

Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362. doi:10.1002/job.322

Gerhart, B., & Fang, M. (2015). Pay, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, performance, and creativity in the workplace: Revisiting long-held beliefs. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 2(1), 489-521. doi:10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032414-111418

Gerhart, B., & Fang, M. (2015). Pay, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, performance, and creativity in the workplace. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(1), 19-32. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.1940

Greenhaus, J. H., & Powell, G. N. (2006). When work and family are allies: A theory of work-family enrichment. Academy of Management Review, 31(1), 72-92. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2006.19379625

Guest, D. E. (2021). The role of HR practices in employee engagement, organizational commitment, and employee performance. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(1), 2-11. doi:10.1111/1748-8583.12304

Gupta, N., & Shaw, J. D. (2014). Employee compensation: The neglected area of HRM research. Human Resource Management Review, 24(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2013.08.007

Gupta, N., & Shaw, J. D. (2020). Gender equity in compensation systems: A meta-analysis. Human Resource Management Review, 30(3), 100721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100721

Harney, B., & Alkhalaf, H. (2021). The impact of HR practices on employee motivation and performance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Human Resource Development International, 24(4), 394-411. doi:10.1080/13678868.2021.1925918

Herzberg, F. (1959). The motivation to work. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Herzberg, F. (1966). Work and the Nature of Man. Cleveland: World Publishing Company.

HUAYU Automotive Systems Company Ltd. Retrieved from HUAYU Automotive: http://www.huayu-auto.com/

Jansen, P. G. W., & Yperen, N. W. (2022). The role of employee development and career growth in enhancing employee motivation and performance. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 95(1), 125-142. doi:10.1111/joop.12352

Jehanzeb, K., & Bashir, N. A. (2013). Training and development program and its benefits to employee and organization: A conceptual study. European Journal of Business and Management, 5(2), 243-252.

Jiang, K., Lepak, D. P., Hu, J., & Baer, J. C. (2021). How does human resource management influence organizational outcomes? A meta-analytic investigation of mediating mechanisms. Academy of Management Journal, 54(6), 1264-1294. https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2020.1035

Jiangsu Xinquan Automotive Trim Co., Ltd. Retrieved from Xinquan Auto: http://www.xinquanauto.com/

Kaufman, B. E. (2019). Theoretical perspectives on work and the employment relationship. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 72(3), 529-549. doi:10.1177/0019793919828470

KEBODA TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Keboda Technology: http://www.keboda.com/

Kim, K., Pathak, S., & Werner, S. (2019). When do employees' perception of HR practices influence their engagement? The interactive effects of line managers' HR implementation and HR climate. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 30(2), 1-23. doi:10.1080/09585192.2018.1443957

Kooij, D. T., De Lange, A. H., Jansen, P. G., Kanfer, R., & Dikkers, J. S. (2011). Age and work-related motives: A meta-analysis. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 32(2), 197-225. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.665

Kossek, E. E., Baltes, B. B., & Matthews, R. A. (2011). How work-family policies and practices affect work and family outcomes: A meta-analysis of correlational studies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(4), 797. doi:10.1037/a0024990

Kumar, R. (2019). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (5th ed.). Sage Publications.

Lepak, D. P., & Snell, S. A. (2021). The strategic management of human capital: Determinants and outcomes of employee development and retention. Academy of Management Journal, 64(3), 718-742. doi:10.5465/amj.2019.1421

Li, J., & Zhang, W. (2022). Addressing turnover challenges in the auto parts industry: Insights from Wuhan. Human Resource Management Journal, 32(4), 567-584. doi:10.1111/1744-7941.12205

Li, P., Sun, Y., & Liu, Z. (2022). Workforce characteristics and HRM practices in Wuhan’s auto parts sector. Journal of Chinese Human Resources Management, 13(1), 45-60. doi:10.1108/JCHRM-07-2021-0049

Li, W., & Zhang, X. (2022). Addressing turnover challenges in the auto parts industry: Insights from Wuhan. Human Resource Management Journal, 32(4), 567-584. doi:10.1111/1744-7941.12205

Liu, X., Huang, Q., & He, J. (2021). Resilience of Wuhan’s auto industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Industrial and Corporate Change, 30(3), 675-690. doi:10.1093/icc/dtab022

Locke, E. A. (1976). The nature and causes of job satisfaction. In M. D. Dunnette (Ed.), Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology (pp. 1297-1349). Chicago: Rand McNally.

Makarius, E. E., & Mukherjee, D. (2021). The future of remote work: Insights from managers and employees on the new normal. Journal of Business Research, 131, 585-593. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.10.060

Martin, G., & Gollan, P. J. (2020). Corporate governance and strategic human resource management in the context of economic crises. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 31(10), 1-25. doi:10.1080/09585192.2019.1635540

Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396. doi:10.1037/h0054346

Meyer, J. P., & Allen, N. J. (1991). A three-component conceptualization of organizational commitment. Human Resource Management Review, 1(1), 61-89. doi:10.1016/1053-4822(91)90011-Z

Meyer, J. P., & Allen, N. J. (1991). A three-component conceptualization of organizational commitment. Human Resource Management Review, 1(1), 61-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/1053-4822(91)90011-Z

Milkovich, G. T., Newman, J. M., & Gerhart, B. (2013). Compensation (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2020.1737162

Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp. Retrieved from Joyson Electronics: http://www.joyson.cn/

Ningbo Tuopu Group Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Tuopu Group: http://www.tuopu.com/

Nishii, L. H., & Wright, P. M. (2020). Variability within organizations: Implications for strategic human resource management. Journal of Management, 46(6), 1182-1209. doi:10.1177/0149206320908648

Pichler, F., & Wallace, C. (2019). What leads to subjective well-being? The role of social capital, social support, and HR practices. Social Indicators Research, 141(1), 133-156. doi:10.1007/s11205-018-1853-8

Porter, M. E. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces That Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 78-93. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2008/01/the-five-competitive-forces-that-shape-strategy

Rabl, T., Jayasinghe, M., Gerhart, B., & Kuhlmann, T. (2020). A meta-analysis of the relationship between HRM practices and employee outcomes: Examining the role of HR attributions. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(11), 1305-1335. doi:10.1037/apl0000486

Sailun Group Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Sailun Group: http://www.sailuntire.com/

Saks, A. M. (2006). Antecedents and consequences of employee engagement. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 21(7), 600-619. doi:10.1108/02683940610690169

Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2016). Research methods for business: A skill-building approach. Wiley. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6570.1983.tb00310.x

Shandong Linglong Tyre Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Linglong Tyre: http://www.linglong.cn/

Singh, P., & Loncar, N. (2010). Pay satisfaction, job satisfaction, and turnover intent. Relations Industrielles/Industrial Relations, 65(3), 470-490. https://doi.org/10.7202/045892ar

Tianneng Battery Group Co. Ltd. Retrieved from Tianneng Group: http://www.tianneng.com/

Van De Voorde, K., & Beijer, S. (2021). The role of employee well-being in HRM-performance research: A critical review. Human Resource Management Review, 31(2), 100727. doi:10.1016/j.hrmr.2020.100727

Wang, T., & Chen, L. (2021). Recruitment strategies in the automotive sector: Evidence from Wuhan. Journal of Recruitment and Retention Studies, 7(2), 89-105. doi:10.1108/JRRS-04-2021-0023

Wang, T., & Zhang, L. (2020). The impact of technological advancements on the auto industry in Wuhan. Technology in Society, 62, 101302. doi:10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101302

Wang, Y., & Xu, W. (2023). Talent management in the auto parts industry: Challenges and best practices. International Journal of Training and Development, 27(1), 23-39. doi:10.1111/ijtd.12205

Wei, F., Han, Y., & Hsu, I. (2019). Compensation and benefits and employee outcomes: Implications for strategic human resource management. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 30(6), 876-894. doi:10.1080/09585192.2017.1282535

Wei, L., Zhang, X., & Wang, Q. (2019). Effects of compensation fairness on employee retention. Journal of Business Research, 98, 87-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.03.015

Yang, M., & Xu, K. (2023). Leveraging technology for HRM in Wuhan’s auto parts enterprises. Human Resource Technology Journal, 11(1), 15-30. doi:10.1016/j.hrtj.2022.101322

Yang, M., & Xu, W. (2023). Innovation in electric and autonomous vehicles: The case

Zhang, J., Zhang, W., & Wang, H. (2022). The impact of compensation on employee motivation and retention: Evidence from the Chinese manufacturing sector. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 60(1), 67-88. doi:10.1111/1744-7941.12248

Zhang, Y., Yang, Z., & Li, Q. (2022). Career development opportunities and employee motivation in manufacturing: Evidence from China. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 39(3), 123-137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10490-021-09778-2

Zhao, Z., & Chen, Y. (2022). Economic contributions of the auto industry in Wuhan. Economic Development Quarterly, 36(2), 123-139. doi:10.1177/08912424211032568

Zhengzhou Coal Mining Machinery Group Company Ltd. Retrieved from Dun & Bradstreet: https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.zhengzhou_coal_mining_machinery_group_co_ltd.d0cbfa7cdb7a5b0e74198e1ae1502d03.html

Zhou, Q., & Gao, L. (2023). Future prospects of the auto industry in Wuhan: A strategic outlook. Foresight, 25(2), 133-148. doi:10.1108/FS-07-2022-0073

Downloads

Published

2025-06-30

How to Cite

Li, Y. (2025). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Compensation Systems on Employee Motivation and Retention in Auto Parts Enterprises in Wuhan, China: Basis For Human Resource Optimization Strategy. Diversitas Journal, 10(special_1). https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v10ispecial_1.3436