英文摘要 |
Numerous studies have categorized Taiwan as a “learning latecomer.” Through Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Taiwan started to join the global commodity and supply chains in the 1980s and attained semiperipheral positions in the global division of production. Previous studies, however, have determined little regarding how technologyreceiving countries, such as Taiwan, transfer technology and skills to the workers of local firms through the firms’ training systems fostered by global customers. Because few studies have examined this topic, this study explored an indigenous analytical framework regarding the institutional characteristics of job training for OEM and Original-Design-Manufacturer (ODM) firms rather than testing the theoretical hypotheses of general theories on job training in foreign countries or the predominant theory from the efficiency viewpoint of economics-based rational interpretations. To further explore how manufacturing companies train their staff members and employees, this study collected data from in-depth interviews. On the basis of interviews with human resource managers at 41 companies (officers as well as leaders of human resource associations and training institutes), the study selected a survey sample of 72 interviewees. This research put the main theoretical emphasis on the forces of global production networks, and Taiwanese firms located in different positions of production technological chains develop different logics of action practices to deal with the demands of global customers and the characteristics of organizational fields. OEM and ODM firms have developed two training institutions: a latecomer’s learning of following and a latecomer’s learning of innovative catch-up. This dual institutional logic regarding training might help explain Taiwan manufacturers’ experiences. |