Emerald | Chinese Management Studies | Table of Contents

The Diaoyu Islands, China-Japan guan-xi and nuclear war: is there a role for Thomas-Kilman model?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Check-Teck Foo) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to illustrate how scholars may adopt a multi-method – not just multidisciplinary – approach on research on conflict management. Taking the Diaoyu Islands as a case, the author draws on literature from management, political sciences, war, military studies, history, etymology and culture. In the process, the author deepens, enriches and expands the Thomas-Kilman (T-K) model for mapping out possible solutions in resolving conflicts: not just between people at workplaces but for between states as well. For instance, the author explains why the Diaoyu Islands conflict, if not amicably resolved may well lead to obliteration (integrated as part of the model) in resolving the conflict via a nuclear outbreak. Third World War may just be sparked off with Russia aligned with China against Japan and the USA. Design/methodology/approach – Of all the issues in management, conflict management is the most culturally embedded. Through a multi-method approach, the author illuminates the complexity of the Diaoyu Islands case. Literature from past empirical war studies are reviewed to suggest the geography of the islands (proximity, borderless, richness of resources) makes war highly probable. Past Chinese-Japanese hatred (utilizing visual imagery), antagonism and guanxi are reviewed in exploring their impacts on outcomes (see model). Etymological research is attempted using English, Japanese and Chinese words, characters and pictograms that are related to concepts within the T-K model. To better grasp how young Chinese feel towards the Diaoyu Islands and the Japanese, the author conducted some field research in Harbin, China. The continuing Chinese angst against Japanese is explained through war imagery: there remains in young Chinese an unquenchable thirst for exacting revenge on the Japanese. In a search to uncover ways of resolving the dispute, a further, extended study is undertaken on ancient Chinese pictograms: for example, whether a 5,000 years old Chinese concept of compromise zhe zhong (Graphic 1; oracular bones) or splitting into halves may be relevant. The role of time in conflict management is discussed in relation to the Diaoyu Islands. Findings – By providing the WWII visual imagery as a backdrop to Chinese-Japanese antagonism, the author explains to readers why the Diaoyu Islands is such a complex case to resolve. Also in his fieldwork, he highlights that the younger Chinese are as equally indignant about Japanese unethical grabbing, “thieving” behaviour. In their minds, such behaviour harks back to the blatant seizure of Manchuria and Japanese puppetry of Manchukuo. Through the Diaoyu Islands case, the T-K model and theory of conflict management is broadened, enriched and enhanced. The paper illustrates how in conflicts that involve cultures are very different from the West, for instance very ancient civilizations like China and India, authors should take a multi-method approach and explore the issues and search for solutions far more deeply. Originality/value – Very few scholars seek to integrate the two streams of research in resolving conflict as illustrated through this paper: management and social sciences (e.g. political sciences, military and war studies). Conflict is about people and therefore integral use of multi-methods needs to be used.

The impact of knowledge governance on knowledge sharing: The mediating role of the guanxi effect

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Yong Cao, Yang Xiang) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – Knowledge governance is an organizational mechanism that formally and informally defines how the firm manages the activities related knowledge, thus it plays a significant influence on knowledge sharing. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of knowledge governance, including formal and informal knowledge governance, on knowledge sharing. Then the paper examines the mediating role of the guanxi effect on knowledge governance and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach – Based upon this research, the authors chose to use the logical deductive approach for their hypotheses and analytical frameworks. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from 339 employees in 39 Chinese strategic emerging firms. Finally, regression analysis and structure equation models (SPSS and AMOS) were used for data analysis and hypotheses testing. Findings – This study points to the impact that knowledge governance has on knowledge sharing based on the mediation of the guanxi effect in China. The results first show that knowledge governance, including formal and informal knowledge governance, plays a key role in knowledge sharing; second, that the guanxi effect partly mediates between informal knowledge governance and knowledge sharing; third, the guanxi effect plays a significant mediating role between formal knowledge governance and knowledge sharing. Research limitations/implications – This study presents a framework for Chinese strategic emerging industries to better understand the impact of knowledge governance upon knowledge sharing and thus enhance their firm's guanxi networks to maximize economic and social benefits. The managerial implications are that firms should strengthen knowledge governance to promote employee knowledge sharing and infuse a more harmonious atmosphere to strengthen the positive effects of guanxi among employees. Ultimately, Chinese firms must consider and encourage the benefits of the guanxi effect. This study only investigated 339 employees in 39 organizations located in the central China. It is limited by employees' cognition. In further research, the authors will identify more samples and develop a large-scale questionnaire to explore these impacts in more detail and thus enhance their current research. Originality/value – It is the first attempt in China to systematically investigate the impact of knowledge governance on knowledge sharing based on the mediation of the guanxi effect. The results provide a theoretical and methodological contribution to the study of knowledge governance and can thus improve managerial practice in an era of knowledge-based economies.

Relational power and influence strategies: a step further in understanding power dynamics

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the existence of relational power which is derived from an indigenous Chinese construct – guanxi. The authors also test the hypotheses of relational power with two well established power sources (position and personal power) and their relationships with influence strategies (persuasive, assertive and relationship-based). Design/methodology/approach – The authors employed a mixed method approach. The survey study included 438 Chinese respondents whereas the follow-up interview study included 17 managers from different industries, collected across main cities in China. Findings – The analysis of the data from survey responses provides support for the authors' argument regarding the existence of relational power. Survey results showed that all three power sources predicted leaders' choices of influence strategies. The follow-up qualitative findings from additional interviews with managers also shed interesting insights into the dynamics of different power sources. Research limitations/implications – The use of a convenience sample may limit the generalizability of the findings. Notwithstanding, the study contributes to the power literature by adding a new dimension to the existing power typology, thus helping us better understand how different power sources affect leaders' choices of influence strategies. Practical implications – The study offers new insights to both practitioners and academicians, which is of growing importance because knowledge on power sources and understanding how it operates should help managers consciously cultivate desirable types of power. This study also shows the dynamics of guanxi, thus helping the Westerners better understand work relationships in China and understand why guanxi/relational power is effective here. Originality/value – The paper integrates the power-dependency theory and an indigenous Chinese construct – guanxi and empirically examines how the authors' proposed power source – relational power – affects leaders' choices of influence strategies. The paper argues that by adding this new power source to the power typology which has dominated the power literature for half a century can fully capture the sources of power embedded in an organizational setting, and generate practical implications on leader-member interactions.

Dual order systems and SMEs' growth: three longitudinal cases from China

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Fangcheng Tang, Xinsheng Ke) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine how the co-evolution of two order systems-guanxi networks and legal system, i.e. a dual order system-has shaped the growth of China's SMEs. From an institutional perspective, one proposition suggested has been that building guanxi networks can facilitate the growth of China's SMEs when institutions change in unpredictable ways. Another proposition claims legal institutions become guarantors of the growth of China's SMEs as a result of competition in increasingly market-oriented environment. Design/methodology/approach – Over a nine-year period (1998-2006), this study conducts in-depth interviews with 18 top managers of three Chinese SMEs in Wenzhou, a city located in south of China. To identify potential research subjects, SMEs that had been operating for a period of at least five years and privately-owned were chosen. Since institution evolution is characterized with a longitudinal nature, the authors gathered data from three different time periods in order to capture the richness of the phenomenon. Findings – Dual order mechanisms consisting of guanxi networks (informal institutions) and codified laws (formal institutions) are both relevant in the growth of SMEs: guanxi networks are more significant at earlier stages of growth whereas legal systems are more influential in later stages. This argument is supported with data collected from three longitudinal case studies of SMEs in China. Research limitations/implications – Data were obtained from three companies in Wenzhou of China, thus findings might not be generalizable across the country. Originality/value – Three longitudinal case studies are unique. According to Pettigrew, longitudinal methods may be the only way to uncover processes of institutional change. The paper investigates the role of dual order system consisting of guanxi and legal systems in the growth of China's SMEs. The research not only contributes to the guanxi literature but also enables managers and investors to better understand the guanxi practice and role of legal systems in the growth of SMEs.

Keeping relationships positive or doing things right: Bridging women leaders' conflict management strategies in non-profit organisations in Taiwan and the USA

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Chin-Chung Chao, Dexin Tian) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The present study aims at contributing to the knowledge of organizational communication and cross-cultural female leadership by examining conflict management strategies between Taiwanese female presidents and their American counterparts in Rotary Clubs. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through field observations and 25 in-depth interviews with 14 Taiwanese female presidents and 11 American female presidents in Rotary Clubs. Theme analysis of the interpretive method was used in this research. Findings – This study revealed that the female presidents in both cultures applied obliging and integrating strategies to handle management conflicts. Yet, due to the interference of past presidents, the Taiwanese women leaders are more likely to follow the traditional norms whereas women leaders in the United States tend to employ new approaches and adopt new conflict management strategies in different situations. Research limitations/implications – This study has focused on exploring the conflict management strategies of only the female presidents in the Rotary Clubs in Taiwan and the USA rather than male presidents. There may be differences in conflict management between genders. Practical implications – The application of conflict management strategies may be determined by the factors of face, in-group relationships, and roles of the invited third party for Taiwanese subjects whereas American subjects usually adopt appropriate strategies according to the nature of the conflicts. That is, the Taiwanese female leaders would endeavor to keep relationships positive or/and keep positive relationships with their members while the American female leaders would strive do things right or/and do the right things for their conflict strategy application. Originality/value – As the first study of its kind, this study fills a research gap by expanding female conflict management studies to cross-cultural contexts, thus contributing to the body of human knowledge of cross-cultural leadership in non-profit organizations.

Towards a Guanxi-based theory of internationalization: Chinese, Taiwanese and evolving MNEs

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Huei-ting Tsai) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review theories on the kinship-based collaboration for Asian multinational enterprises (MNEs). Although cooperation issues have reached the top of the Asian MNE agenda, comprehensive empirical and theoretical studies in these areas have remained patchy. Motivated expressly by the sparseness of theory development, this study seeks to establish and examine the model of kinship-based alliance for MNEs. Drawing on kinship-based theory, this paper contends that cross-border collaboration within the same region is increasingly important in driving MNEs from emerging economies to internationalisation. Design/methodology/approach – This study attempts to focus on kinship-based collaborations from emerging economies to internationalization in the context of high-tech industries by reviewing relevant studies and presents research propositions. Findings – The study proposes that the model of kinship-based alliance can be affected by these factors: economic (partner contributions in term of scale-link theories), geographic, cultural and social (which are broadly defined as kinship-based factors) factors. Therefore, the model of kinship-based alliance can be characterized as an evolutionary struggle between these factors to develop a form of cross-border cooperation. Originality/value – The model of kinship based alliance enriches the theoretical field of internationalisation strategies for MNEs from developing economies, and this model also provides knowledge of collaboration behaviour for managers of high-tech firms to create appropriate synergy for each party of an alliance.

A social exchange perspective of the individual guanxi network: Evidence from Malaysian-Chinese employees

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Purpose – Using the social exchange perspective, the aim of this research is to add value to the construct by looking at direct and indirect effects through perceived organizational support (POS) and leader-member exchange (LMX) of the guanxi network in job involvement, and ultimately the effect of job involvement on in-role performance. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was used as the medium for data collection. A total of 458 respondents took part in research at two points of time. Respondents were selected using random sampling technique from hotels of western part of Malaysia. Descriptive statistics, CFA, and SEM were used for this purpose. Findings – Findings of the study reveal that individual guanxi network significantly contributes towards social exchange relations (POS and LMX), and employees' job involvement. The individual guanxi network has both direct and indirect effects on job involvement, which confirms that individual guanxi network affects involvement through social exchange relations, i.e. POS and LMX; it also confirms the basic notion of individual guanxi network (social relations with norm of reciprocity). Research limitations/implications – This study covers only hotel employees working in Western Malaysia. Other sectors can be selected for future research endeavours with a larger sample size. Practical implications – One obvious implication of this research is that management should utilize the guanxi network of employees, which can result in increasing involvement and improved performance. Originality/value – The main contributions of the study contain: consideration of LMX as a mediator and explaining the social exchange essence of individual guanxi network.

Guest editorial

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Michele E.M. Akoorie) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

2013 Prospect of sister journals: genetic CMS imprints

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Check Teck Foo) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

2012 Awards for Excellence

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000