Conflict Resolution Strategies of Chinese Private Entrepreneurs: The Role of Political Participation

Abstract

This study investigated the link between private entrepreneurs’ political networking and organizational strategies for conflict management in China. We predicted, and found, that those with political influence were more likely to use a “rights” approach to resolve inter-organizational disputes (i.e., going to court), while those without political influence were more likely to use an “interests” approach (i.e., mediation and negotiation). There were no differences between those with and without political influence in use of “power” (i.e., going directly to government agencies). These findings are based on a survey of 4149 private Chinese entrepreneurs in 1995, 1997, and 2000.