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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Eric C.K. Ho

The purpose of paper is to investigate the institutional features of the leasehold system of Hong Kong, which is predicated on the freedom of contract as an institutional…

1650

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of paper is to investigate the institutional features of the leasehold system of Hong Kong, which is predicated on the freedom of contract as an institutional arrangement for land management and planning that promotes sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is analytical, using concepts of property rights informed by Coasian neo‐institutional economics and the ideas of Yu et al. on the Schumpeterian process in innovation.

Findings

It was demonstrated that the post‐contractual imposition of statutory planning control on the leasehold land management system in Hong Kong has adversely affected and adaptability of the leasehold system in achieving sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This paper encourages a reinterpretation of statutory zoning in areas with a leasehold system and the reception of the land lease as a basis for innovations that help promote sustainable development.

Practical implications

This paper warns against legislative activism in planning controls as that can destroy or erode the basis for innovations that help promote sustainable development.

Originality/value

Using the idea of innovations of Yu et al. and Lai and Lorne, this paper further develops Lai theory of “planning by contract” as an alternative to “planning by edict”.

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Lawrence Wai Chung Lai, Kwong Wing Chau, Daniel Chi Wing Ho and Frank T. Lorne

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a Coasian interpretation of a model of sustainable development for Hong Kong that incorporates three segments, namely economy, society, and…

5135

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a Coasian interpretation of a model of sustainable development for Hong Kong that incorporates three segments, namely economy, society, and environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is analytical, using concepts of property rights informed by Coasian neo‐institutional economics and Yu's ideas on the Schumpeterian process in innovation.

Findings

First, the sustainable development criteria must be non‐dictatorial, decentralized, and compatible with market economics. The emphasis is contractarian rather than legislative or administrative. Second, the essence of segment cooperation is to create a win‐win situation rather than an “integrated” rent seeking game, which will likely result in more values being created. Third, the requirement that it be progressive over time implies that programs and policies that are duplicative need to be avoided, and innovations are to be encouraged. Fourth, the requirement of satisfying only two aspects of the three segments of cooperation implies a less stringent standard of making stepwise improvements, and thus makes entrepreneurial efforts more likely. Last, the three segments of cooperation, if practiced simultaneously and improved over time, can achieve most, if not all, the principles in the Rio Declaration without aiming at a specific principle in the Declaration.

Research limitations/implications

This paper should focus on a “win‐win” rather than a mutually exploitative approach to public participation in sustainable development promotion.

Practical implications

This paper should assist policymakers and politicians in understanding how sustainable development may be conceptually modelled.

Originality/value

The paper is the first paper that defines for Hong Kong a model of sustainable development on the basis of Coasian economics, and contrasts it with other proposed models.

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2011

Lawrence W.C. Lai

This paper seeks to argue that racially discriminatory zoning in Colonial Hong Kong could have been a form of protectionism driven by economic considerations.

1528

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to argue that racially discriminatory zoning in Colonial Hong Kong could have been a form of protectionism driven by economic considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on a review of the relevant ordinances, literature, and public information, notably data obtained from the Land Registry and telephone directories.

Findings

This paper reveals that many writings on racial matters in Hong Kong were not a correct interpretation or presentation of facts. It shows that after the repeal of the discriminatory laws in 1946, an increasing number of people, both Chinese and European, were living in the Peak district. Besides, Chinese were found to be acquiring land even under the discriminatory law for Barker Road during the mid‐1920s and became, after 1946, the majority landlords by the mid‐1970s. This testifies to the argument that the Chinese could compete economically with Europeans for prime residential premises in Hong Kong.

Research limitations/implications

This paper lends further support to the Lawrence‐Marco proposition raised in Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design by Lai and Yu, which regards segregation zoning as a means to reduce the effective demand of an economically resourceful social group.

Practical implications

This paper shows how title documents for land and telephone directories can be used to measure the degree of racial segregation.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to systematically re‐interpret English literature on racially discriminatory zoning in Hong Kong's Peak area using reliable public information from Crown Leases and telephone directories.

Details

Property Management, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Daniel C.W. Ho and Lawrence W.C. Lai

412

Abstract

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Lawrence W.C. Lai and K.W. Chau

467

Abstract

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

Lawrence W.C. Lai and Daniel C.W. Ho

Extending the ground works of Ho (1993), Baldwin (1994), Walters and Hastings (1998a, 1998b) on property management in Hong Kong, this short paper documents the context[1] of…

1785

Abstract

Extending the ground works of Ho (1993), Baldwin (1994), Walters and Hastings (1998a, 1998b) on property management in Hong Kong, this short paper documents the context[1] of research on illegal structures, explains the incentive for building illegal structures on government land and private property and discusses the significance of illegal structures for the proprietor and the property manager, as well as the relevant legislative provisions and policies.

Details

Property Management, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

C.Y. Yiu, S.K. Wong and Y. Yau

To re‐examine the role of property management from an institutional economics perspective.

3584

Abstract

Purpose

To re‐examine the role of property management from an institutional economics perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of property management is explored by asking why property management has emerged from the first principle. Then, an analytical framework for property management is put forward. Different dimensions of institutional arrangements, ranging from open access to communal private property or solely owned private property, are discussed in the real estate property context.

Findings

The paper shows that a unique feature of property management is its role in excluding outsiders and resolving internal conflicts among the stakeholders of communal private property.

Research implications/limitations

This approach opens up a new research agenda for property management. The adoption of different institutional arrangements in property management can be explained by further studies.

Practical implications

The efficiency of different institutional arrangements for the governance of communal private property is situation‐specific. An endogenous assumption of institutional regime in property management practice greatly expands the flexibility of management.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply an analytical framework for interpreting the institutional arrangements in property management.

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Chien‐Yuan Chen and Chris Webster

The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea of transplanting the institution of homeowner associations or similar to existing urban neighbourhoods in order to correct…

1445

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea of transplanting the institution of homeowner associations or similar to existing urban neighbourhoods in order to correct imbalances in patterns of incentives and responsibilities that threaten the liveability and sustainability of cities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares a recent published proposal for privatising existing neighbourhoods with the current Taiwan Government's attempt to assist shops on retail streets to create their own micro‐governance associations. The paper takes a strongly normative approach, using propositions from economic theory.

Findings

The paper identifies several crucial factors in designing an institution for privatising existing commercial neighbourhoods; notably the usage of coercive power and the efficient alignment of property rights.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion in the paper rests on a small number of case studies in Taiwan and on qualitative information collected by interviews with key informants. This information is sufficient to illustrate our normative theoretical arguments about institutional design.

Practical implications

The paper offers some useful insights for public officials and private entrepreneurs seeking solutions to the problem of regeneration using voluntary urban neighbourhoods management.

Originality/value

The paper is the first published work to explore the adoption of homeowner associations in commercial neighbourhoods. It is one of the few papers to analyse the issues arising, using an institutional framework based on the new institutional economics.

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2009

Lawrence W.C. Lai, Stephen N.G. Davies, Y.K. Tan and P. Yung

This paper aims to provide an initial determination of the date of construction, locations and a typology of design of the pill‐boxes of the Gin Drinker's Line constructed by the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an initial determination of the date of construction, locations and a typology of design of the pill‐boxes of the Gin Drinker's Line constructed by the colonial Hong Kong Government.

Design/methodology/approach

Post‐war aerial photos taken by the Royal Air Force and R.C. Huntings were examined and site visits made to locate and measure the pill‐boxes. Relevant archive materials were consulted to help interpret findings.

Findings

A total of 76 pill‐boxes, most in ruins due to post‐war destruction for obtaining their steel bars, were mapped on a 1:25,000 scale to give a good idea of the nature of the Gin Drinker's Line. The study finds that, of these, 50 have survived. The pill‐boxes predated those built in the UK to anticipate of German landing.

Research limitations/implications

The paper demonstrates how aerial photos can be used for historical research and conservation planning. Though the locations of the pill‐boxes identified are subject to detailed site surveying, the basic pattern of pill‐box distribution has been identified.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to map the Gin Drinker's Line and classify its pill‐boxes. The findings are useful references for the actual conservation of colonial heritage in Hong Kong as part of China, as well as for further inquiry into the military history of the Second World War.

Details

Property Management, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Stephen N.G. Davies

The purpose of this paper is to outline the intellectual pre‐conditions for meaningful debate about resource management of the sea and its contents.

1557

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the intellectual pre‐conditions for meaningful debate about resource management of the sea and its contents.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is historical and theoretical.

Findings

The argument contends that because of the social and historical status of the sea and those who earn their living from it, comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the sea and its depths is conspicuously lacking, as is a sympathetic understanding. Historically, this has led, where attempts to manage the sea's resources are concerned, to a misconceived application of terrestrial legal concepts and approaches to an indivisible whole upon which, as a whole, Life itself depends.

Practical implications

If the argument is correct, piecemeal local, national and regional attempts to manage marine resources may prove unable to achieve what is intended and may be counter‐productive. Such smaller‐scale regulation must depend on prior global agreement on marine resource management principles.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to lay out the broad framework within which alone constructive discussion of marine resource management is possible.

Details

Property Management, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

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