| Summary: | The objective of this chapter is to review work-family research conducted in Confucian
Asia. Confucianism is a school of philosophy that is based on the ideas of Confucius, an ancient
Chinese social philosopher. Confucianism has had profound impact on the culture in East and
Southeast Asian societies (Neville, 2000). As a code of conduct, Confucian values have shaped
various aspects of individual and social lives of people in the region. In this chapter, Confucian
Asia refers to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
We begin by highlighting some aspects of Confucianism that are deemed important for
the work-family interface. First, Confucianism emphasizes five principal relationships that define
the role and proper social position for each individual; fulfilling the responsibilities and duties
for one’s position is important to achieve social hierarchy and maintain harmony (Confucius,
1983). Of relevance, the husband and wife are prescribed to have a separate function in a family
such that the husband is primarily responsible for financial support whereas the wife is
responsible for tending the home and children. Second, Confucianism views a family, rather than
an individual, as the fundamental unit of society; family is an interdependent unit, in which
members are highly involved with each other’s life. The centrality of family positions fulfilling
family responsibility at the center of everyone's social and economic roles. As a means to
financially support family, work is often viewed as more important than leisure and as
instrumental to family welfare (Redding, 1990). Lastly, Confucianism values diligence,
persistence, and loyalty (Chan, 1996). The work ethic imbued with Confucianism is manifested
in expectations for long work hours (Kang & Matusik, 2014) and performance evaluation
practice that emphasize face-time (Won, 2005).
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