Abstract
This paper presents a comparison of kindergarten teacher compensation between the cities of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Taipei. A comprehensive framework is defined and then employed to analyze the compensation packages for kindergarten teachers in the three cities. Two indicators, the Big Mac Index from the Economist and the House Price to Income Ratio, are also introduced to evaluate teachers' real purchasing power. The results indicate that: a) Hong Kong features the simplest compensation structure, with no allowance, incentive, or benefits, whereas Taipei has the most comprehensive and generous compensation; b) Shenzhen and Taipei employ a post-performance salary system, whereas Hong Kong uses a competency-based salary system regulated by the supply-and-demand market; and c) the purchasing power of Taipei teachers is the strongest, whereas that of Hong Kong teacher is the weakest. Accordingly, the following suggestions are made for improving the field of early childhood education in Hong Kong: i) enrich and improve the teacher compensation system; ii) launch a post-performance salary system; and iii) introduce the housing, transportation, and education allowances for kindergarten teachers.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - Feb 2013 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong (CESHK) Annual Conference 2013 - Duration: 1 Feb 2013 → 1 Feb 2013 |
Conference
| Conference | Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong (CESHK) Annual Conference 2013 |
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| Period | 1/02/13 → 1/02/13 |
Keywords
- Kindergarten teachers
- Compensation
- Shenzhen
- Hong Kong
- Taipei