When match‐making forms part of the company agenda: Organizational play and employee creativity in China

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine, from an insider's perspective, the ways in which Chinese organizational play may develop employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Presents concepts based on research.

Findings

Reports how Chinese organizational play may help employees to relax physically, develop informal social relationships and support guanxi – business networks based on connections made by individuals.

Practical implications

Advances the view that managers in China who want a creative workplace should be prepared to put in the time and effort to provide their employees with opportunities for play.

Originality/value

Presents ideas from China that could be applied in some western organizations.

Citation

Han, Y. (2009), "When match‐making forms part of the company agenda: Organizational play and employee creativity in China", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 25-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730910974332