The role ofguanxinetworks in the performance of women-led firms in China

Abstract

Purpose – This exploratory study aims to examine how knowledge acquired via guanxi (networks and connections) is enabling women in China to overcome a number of significant barriers and challenges in order to start and grow successful businesses. Design/methodology/approach – The authors undertook two in-depth interviews to qualitatively investigate the use of guanxi as a means of overcoming various barriers faced by Chinese women in establishing and growing their businesses. Findings – The findings suggest that family background (and, in particular, support from parents and spouses), experience, training, education and finance are key success factors influencing the performance of women-led firms in China. The experiences of the two entrepreneurs in the study demonstrate the importance of mentors in helping to develop a woman's business acumen and providing the right contacts to help overcome potential barriers to developing a successful business. Research limitations/implications – While this study provides a useful first step to better understanding the role of guanxi networks in supporting women-led ventures in China, further research is needed to test the generalizability of the findings. Originality/value – This study contributes to the limited prior research focusing on the important role of guanxi networks in assisting Chinese women to successfully launch and grow new ventures.

Women entrepreneurship in China: where are we now and where are we heading

“…Although the positive effect of women's participation in business start-up has been widely recognized (Deng, Wang, and Alon 2010;Scott et al 2014;Tan 2008), women entrepreneurs still face a number of barriers that prevent them from fulfiling their career ambitions. In recent years, barriers that women face in starting or running their businesses have attracted an increasing amount of attention from researchers and policy makers.…”

Women Entrepreneurship in International Trade: Bridging the Gap by Bringing Feminist Theories into Entrepreneurship and Internationalization Theories

“…However, female entrepreneurs do not engage in international networks like men [151,152]. For example, women's responsibility to family [10,[151][152][153] and the lack of support from the society and family [154][155][156] may deter them from reaping the benefits of participating in international trade. In a recent study, García-Palma and Molina [157] argued that the construction of knowledge is connected to social processes and social structures that affect women's knowledge building and learning processes.…”

Impact of Local employee Guanxi on Job Satisfaction and TurnoverIntention: the Mediating Role of Job Security

“…On the other hand, the opposite effect may occur if employees detect unfair treatment. Astoundingly, just as turnover intent, job satisfaction is impacted by other factors such as the culture of the organization (Scott et al, 2014). Conclusively, the effect of Guanxi on the turnover intention and job satisfaction is very similar.…”

“…The subordinate-supervisor Guanxi is not the best indicator of turnover intention in an organization. The subordinate-supervisor Guanxi explains the relationship that utilized interpersonal connection between those in higher positions and a junior employee (Scott et al, 2014). In Saudi Arabia, the interpersonal connections tend to be asymmetrical and only one partly benefits from Guanxi most of the time.…”