The work values of Chinese project managers

Purpose - The purpose of the research is to investigate project managers' work values and the relationship between the work values of project managers and their competence.Design methodology approach - This research project is based on a category of work-related values generated from the literature. The authors conducted a web-based questionnaire survey on Chinese project managers in The People's Republic of China.Findings - From this research it was found that both experienced and novice Chinese project managers share most work values. However, novice and experienced project managers' differ on work values regarding personal career success and project success. Project management knowledge, project manager's personal attitudes and project manager's work values are all important with respect to project management practice.Practical implications - The authors recommend that work values are an important dimension in relation to project managers' competence. The understanding of project managers' work values has potential application in the context to competence-based management development.Originality value - This paper furthers understanding on project manager's competence.