Abstract: Work alienation is the state of psychological separation from work insofar as work is perceived to lack the potentiality for satisfying one’s salient needs and expectations. This review firstly made an introduction to the concept and measurement of work alienation, and then, the influence factors of work alienation, such as demography, personality, formalization, centrality, leadership and social culture, was analyzed. The consequence of work alienation was discussed subsequently. Finally, the limitations of previous studies were analyzed and future research orientations were given. It was suggested that with the consideration of Chinese culture, especially the family culture, it would be meaningful to discuss the issue of Chinese employees’ organizational alienation.

Key words: alienation, work alienation, organizational alienation