Work motivation in Vietnam: some aspects of change under Doi Moi

In this article, we examine key changes in work motivation in the period of Doi Moi. Such changes include the application of a contract basis at work, expansion of democracy in the economic sector and contribution-related compensation. In order to clarify the significance of these changes, we analyse some of the shortcomings of work motivation under the centrally planned mechanism. Our subsequent discussion leads us to the conclusion that market-driven policies play a key role in the establishment of a work environment in which ability and contributions are valued as central to the management of human resources. Because it allows the performance of each individual to be assessed according to his/her ability and contributions, such an environment lays the basis for significant improvements in labour productivity.