Chinese entrepreneurship and small business development: an overview and research agenda
Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development
ISSN: 1462-6004
Article publication date: 1 April 2006
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to focus on three main strands of research relating to entrepreneurship in China: the role of local governments in the development of entrepreneurial activities in twon and village‐based enterprises (TVEs); institutional environments and strategic responses of private firms; and culture and its impact upon entrepreneurship. It aims to suggest a tentative research agenda and offer directions for further research.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs a critical review approach to research on entrepreneurship and small business development in China.
Findings
It is suggested that the combination of local entrepreneurial state theory with an analysis of the institutional environment at the macro level offers plausible explanations on the causes, context and extent of Chinese entrepreneurship development during the past two decades. The paper argues that existing theories need to be revised on a continuous basis, as ongoing reforms and developments redefine relationships between stakeholders and the wider economic environment in China.
Originality/value
The paper reviews progress to date and offers suggestions for further research. It posits that topics of future interest could include the changing relationship between stakeholders in both rural and urban areas, the impact of increasingly institutionalised environments on entrepreneurship and small business development, and longitudinal analyses of emerging models of entrepreneurial behaviour and growth.
Keywords
Citation
Li, J. and Matlay, H. (2006), "Chinese entrepreneurship and small business development: an overview and research agenda", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 248-262. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000610665953
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited