A comparative study of the Chinese and the Swedish principles of employment systems

A cross-cultural or comparative approach is applied in order to demonstrate the main characteristics both of the theoretic background and practice of the Chinese and the Swedish principles of employment systems. This paper attempts to point out some main/problems of the Chinese system and to make some challenges for suggested reform. After examining basic conflicts and relationships between public policy and the working of free market forces in the two countries, the paper suggests how the Chinese traditional socialist principles ought to be revised if a ‘socialist market economy’ is to be developed. The key to reforming the employment system lies in changing the form of ownership and management of enterprises by allowing fair competition and bankruptcy of enterprises.