Mapping cultural tightness and its links to innovation, urbanization, and happiness across 31 provinces in China

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1815723116
• Publication Date: 2019-03-05T01:31:32Z
• Authors: Roy Y. J. Chua; Kenneth G. Huang; Mengzi Jin
• Keywords: Male; 0301 basic medicine; China; Culture; Happiness; Urbanization; 1. No poverty; Social Sciences; Organizational Behavior and Theory; 16. Peace & justice; innovation; 300; Sexual and Gender Minorities; 03 medical and health sciences; Inventions; Asian Studies; 11. Sustainability; Humans; Female; Human Resources Management; Technology and Innovation; creativity; norms

Significance This study extends existing theories of cultural tightness by mapping and its relationship to innovation across 31 provinces in China. Consistent with prior research, we find that tighter are associated increased governmental control, constraints daily life, religious practices, exposure threats. However, findings about do not fully apply Departing from states more rural, conservative, less creative, happy, China is urbanization; economic growth; better health; greater happiness; tolerance toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community; gender equality. Provinces tight cultures exhibit lower rates substantive/radical yet higher incremental innovation.