Managers’ perceptions of the accountability of corporate university programs, involvement in the corporate university programs and commitment to the organization

Abstract

Purpose What remains uncertain with corporate universities is the contribution they provide to their organizations, particularly when considered from the perspective of managers. Managers are important stakeholders, as they may participate in carrying out the mission and policies that govern the corporate university and participate in the programs offered. Organizations would benefit from knowing more about the perceptions of managers. The purpose of this paper is to study managers’ perceptions of the accountability of two corporate university programs in China and its relationship with the managers’ overall involvement in corporate university programs and their commitment to the organization. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted in two state-owned organizations in China, a country in which many organizations have adopted corporate universities. A mixed-method approach was used to carry out the study. Findings The results showed that there was a moderate relationship between the managers’ perceptions of the accountability of corporate university programs, based on two management development programs and managers’ involvement in corporate university programs and their commitment to the organization. The results also showed a low relationship between managers’ involvement in their corporate university programs and commitment to the organization. Originality/value The findings provide implications for managing corporate universities in China and enhancing the accountability of these initiatives. The study serves as a basis for future studies involving corporate universities and on the accountability of and involvement in training.

National human resource development in China: government–industry–university relations and roles

“…As corporate universities in China provide training for both internal and external talent, several Chinese companies without such programs also sponsor their senior employees to attend training programs in those famous corporate universities (Chen et al , 2019; Tong, 2018). For example, senior employees from state-owned companies and government agencies such as China Telecom, China Mobile, China Construction Bank, the Ministry of Railways of China and the National Taxation Bureau have participated in the training program by Hewlett-Packard China (Liu, 2007).…”