Journal of Chinese Entrepreneurship

Global entrepreneurship and supply chain management: a Chinese exemplar : Table of Contents

Lifang Wu, Daewoo Park, Ravi Chinta, Margaret Cunningham — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – Global entrepreneurship study is primarily concerned with why, when, and how entrepreneurial opportunities are discovered and exploited in the global market. The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for pursuing global entrepreneurship where supply chain management (SCM) can often serve as a platform for resource acquisition, market development, and risk mitigation. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a case study to show how SCM is utilized by entrepreneurs in China for developing two formats of entrepreneurship: domestic private companies through horizontal supply chain clustering and vertical (forward and/or backward) supply chain extensions. In particular, the paper explores firm-level behavior in supply clusters to discern patterns at the collective level of supply clusters. Findings – Entrepreneurs rely on their existing supply chain networks to pursue new venturing opportunities. Two types of supply chain expansions (horizontal supply chain clustering and vertical supply chain extensions) are found in China. Competitive rivalry in this paper of supply clusters is found to demonstrate “co-opetition” (collaboration amongst competitors). Originality/value – This paper's theoretical framework offers unique perspectives towards global entrepreneurship, and is empirically supported by numerous real business examples. The paper integrates SCM with international entrepreneurship and identifies two distinct patterns that are evident in China. In particular, the paper describes the specific contexts in which each of the two patterns is successful. These patterns provide valuable guidance for future Chinese entrepreneurs interested in globalization. The paper is a harbinger to future research on collective behavior of competitors in supply clusters. This could potentially redefine competitive rivalry (in Porter's 5-forces) in more cooperative terms.

Organizational knowledge transfer within multinational corporations : Table of Contents

Yih-Chearng Shiue, Chen-Chi Chang, Shing-Ya Yang, Chun-An Chen — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable and valid measurement of human resource management (HRM) practices and identify the key dimensions based on evidence of the multinational corporations (MNCs) in China. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between HRM practices and knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach – This paper involves a questionnaire survey concerning HRM practices, including employee satisfaction, hedonism, and altruism at the organizational level; training and self-efficiency at the individual level. A quantitative analysis of the questionnaires is conducted through structural equation modeling in order to indicate the direction and relationship between those constructs. Findings – The results show a striking effect of organizational commitment and individual attitudes on knowledge transfer performance in MNCs. Originality/value – This paper suggests that organizational commitment and individual attitudes should be conceptualized as being comprised of HRM practices. Further, the results indicate that both commitment and attitudes are needed to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from other parts of the MNC.

An empirical study of entrepreneurial orientation and degree of internationalization of small and medium-sized Chinese manufacturing enterprises : Table of Contents

Qingxin Lan, Songxu Wu — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable and valid understanding of entrepreneurship and examine the relationships between small and medium-sized Chinese manufacturing enterprises, the intensity of their entrepreneurial orientation and the degree of their internationalization. In addition, it examines whether entrepreneurial orientation would affect enterprises' internationalization strategies and their success. Design/methodology/approach – The seven-step procedure for scale development is used and survey data have been utilized to conduct statistical analysis. Findings – The paper finds that entrepreneurial orientation is positively related to the degree of internationalization, particularly amongst the small and medium-sized Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The international experiences of enterprises have significant importance and positively affect the degree of their internationalization. In addition, the degree of their success depends greatly on their attitudes towards risk taking, their ability to diversify internationally and successfully compete with those already established in the market. Originality/value – A lot of studies have been conducted on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial orientation. However, few people have ever studied the relation between the degree of entrepreneurial orientation and internationalization. Empirical studies on the correlations between entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance are not abundant in China. Furthermore, very few researches on the correlations between entrepreneurial orientation and internationalization have been conducted. The research presented in this paper is intended to bridge this gap. Through empirical analyses of their relationships, this paper shows how entrepreneurial strategies can stimulate competitive advantages and drive forward the international developments of the Chinese enterprises, particularly the small and medium-sized.

Information and communication technologies adoption in SMEs: literature review : Table of Contents

Henry Ongori, Stephen O. Migiro — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the driving forces, challenges benefits, barriers and strategies to decrease barriers to information and communication technologies (ICTs) adoption and assimilation by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this era of globalization. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a review of literature, both online and print. Findings – The paper concludes that, ICTs adoption and assimilation in SMEs is critical to enhance their competitiveness. In addition, ICTs usage in SMEs will enhance accessibility into the international markets. Research limitations/implications – The major limitation of this paper is that it only reviews relevant literature and that empirical findings are not obtained to give an insight and holistic view of ICTs adoption and assimilation by SMEs. Practical implications – Effective use of ICTs in SMEs has great impact on its competitiveness and sustainability. In addition, owners/owner managers, policy makers and other stakeholders would be in a position to understand the challenges faced by SMEs in ICTs adoption and come up with various interventions to assist SMEs. Originality/value – Despite the challenges faced by SMEs on ICTs adoption, SMEs stand to benefit from adopting ICTs in their business processes especially in accessing international markets. SMEs play a great role in the economy and thus need special attention.

A theoretical and empirical research on the mediating effect of internal entrepreneurial environment : Table of Contents

Qianwen Li, Ziyuan Zhang — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the mediating effect of internal entrepreneurial environment (IEE) between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research is conducted using an original data set of 185 in China. The mediator measurement steps recommended by Baron and Kenny to test the mediating effects are applied. Findings – The proposition that EO can lead to the improvement of organizational performance is only partially confirmed in this paper; IEE is the mediating variable between innovation-proactive and organizational performance, but the dimension of risk-taking is not verified. Research limitations/implications – As far as the IEE measurement scale is concerned, its simplicity is achieved at the cost of accuracy. Future research may adopt more complex scale design to further verify the relationship among the different sub-dimensions of IEE, as well as the correlation and causality between those dimensions and organizational performance. Originality/value – The complex relationship between EO and organizational performance requires further study of the contingency and construction of third-party variables. This research confirms that building IEE is an important path for transforming EO into organizational performance.

Humanity and trendiness: Key dimensions and differences in brand personality evaluation in Chinese market : Table of Contents

Jiaxun He — Mon Feb 22 02:05:17 GMT 2010

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the key dimensions reflecting the differences between Chinese and foreign brands, evaluate different consumption generations, and provide evidence for studying differences and similarities of brand personality dimensions from a cross-cultural perspective. Design/methodology/approach – Using a questionnaire survey among a large sample of people in three cities of China, brand personality of Chinese and foreign brands was measured by an indigenous scale. Principal component analysis and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the data. Findings – Two key dimensions of humanity and trendiness were found and compared with Aaker's scale. Differences in dimensions of brand personality were also identified through comparing foreign brands with local brands as well as consumption by the younger and older generations. In conclusion, China's local brands show a higher level of humanity but a lower level of trendiness. The young generation has significantly higher demands for trendiness than the old generation. Research limitations/implications – In order to test the robustness of the conclusions of this paper, a more popular interval variable type is needed for further study. In addition, the conclusions drawn from this may not be completely suitable for other industries or categories. Practical implications – The results have some important implications for building the image of China's local brands, especially time-honored brands. The key approach is to create a trendiness association while keeping points of difference association on humanity. Originality/value – Previous research has demonstrated cross-cultural differences and similarities in the evaluations of brand personality, but there are no studies in the context of the Chinese market. The findings of this paper support the argument that the key dimensions of brand personality exist across different cultures.