The relationship between acculturation and job satisfaction among Chinese immigrants in the New York city restaurant business

Abstract

This exploratory study investigated the process of acculturation and its influence on job satisfaction. Our convenience sample consisted of 65 Chinese immigrant restaurant workers from New York City, (“NYC”) employed either in “Chinatown” (centralized Chinese area) or “City” (outside the Chinatown area) sites. The data were collected using acculturation and job satisfaction questionnaires augmented by open-ended questions. Results indicate that City workers are more acculturated than Chinatown workers, and seem to have higher levels of job satisfaction. Acculturation was related to job satisfaction. English proficiency and education were related to acculturation, but not to job satisfaction. Male workers are both more acculturated and more satisfied than their female counterparts.