Maoism and motivation: Work incentives in China

Abstract

Visitors to China invariably comment on the energy and zeal of the people they met there. Seymour Topping's impression that “the basic needs of the people are being met and the foundation is being laid for a modern industrial country” he ascribes partly to “the energy exhibited everywhere.” Business economist Barry Richman found that Chinese industrial executives had a “high need for achievement” and displayed “considerable zeal, dedication, patriotism … a deep sense of commitment and purpose.” These examples could easily be multiplied.