The impact of material incentives on the work efficiency of employees in Chinese private companies: a sociological analysis

In the context of transforming labor relations and increasing competition for qualified personnel in China, the effectiveness of material incentives in the private corporate sector is gaining particular relevance. This study aims to identify the relationship between various forms of financial reward and employees’ subjective assessments of their work performance. The theoretical framework draws upon classical motivational theories, including A. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and J. Adams’ equity theory. The empirical part is based on survey data from 370 employees of private companies in China and employs descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings demonstrate that while material incentives are perceived as an important component of workplace interaction, their influence on labor efficiency is mediated by motivational attitudes, perceptions of fairness, and corporate context. The study contributes to the sociological understanding of labor motivation and offers practical recommendations for improving human resource management systems in Chinese private enterprises.