NDLI: The Role of Economic Factors and Guanxi Networks in the Success of Chinese Shops in Johannesburg, South Africa

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The Role of Economic Factors and Guanxi Networks in the Success of Chinese Shops in Johannesburg, South Africa

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Willemse, Lodene
Copyright Year	2013
Abstract	The recent rise of China as a major global capitalist player has significantly affected those countries to which the Chinese have migrated, and South Africa has proved no difference. Little research was found pertaining specifically to the daily operation of Chinese shops in South Africa. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to fill this gap in our knowledge by providing an outline of the operational aspects associated with running Chinese shops in the city of Johannesburg and entrepreneurs’ perceptions and opinions of their business environment. The background information sketches a picture of the Chinese diaspora and the economic activities of Chinese immigrants in South Africa, while the literature review provides insights into the global nature of Chinese migrants as ethnic entrepreneurs and examines their patterns of economic activity in foreign countries. Questionnaire interviews were conducted with 500 respondents selected at random throughout the city of Johannesburg. The demographic results show that respondents have followed different trajectories to establish themselves in South Africa. Furthermore, results indicate that economic factors and ‘guanxi’ networks (close family and friend networks) are the most important aspects that influence and shape the general business profile of respondents. Despite trying circumstances, respondents remain innovative entrepreneurs who use their economic resourcefulness and guanxi networks to make a living in Johannesburg by adapting to local circumstances quickly. Important implications for better local government planning for Chinese communities and businesses in Johannesburg are also highlighted.
Starting Page	105
Ending Page	123
Page Count	19
File Format	PDF
ISSN	10153802
Journal	Urban Forum
Volume Number	25
Issue Number	1
e-ISSN	18746330
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Netherlands
Publisher Date	2013-07-17
Publisher Place	Dordrecht
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Chinese entrepreneurs Chinese shops and Chinese business Diaspora Guanxi Business profile Perceptions and opinions of business environment Human Geography Landscape/Regional and Urban Planning Population Economics Political Science Sociology
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Geography, Planning and Development Urban Studies

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1	Ministry of Education (GoI), Department of Higher Education	Sanctioning Authority	https://www.education.gov.in/ict-initiatives
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Host Institute of the Project: The host institute of the project is responsible for providing infrastructure support and hosting the project	https://www.iitkgp.ac.in
3	National Digital Library of India Office, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	The administrative and infrastructural headquarters of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in
4	Project PI / Joint PI	Principal Investigator and Joint Principal Investigators of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti will be added soon
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