Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2010, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (5): 75-95.

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A Study on the Autonomy of Business Associations: ProvinceLevel Business Associations in Guangdong

Author1:Zhang Qinjie, The Department of Sociology,College of Public Management,South China Agriculture University;Author2:Wang Jianping, Department of Sociology,College of Public Management, South China Agriculture University   

  1. Author1:Zhang Qinjie, The Department of Sociology,College of Public Management,South China Agriculture University;Author2:Wang Jianping, Department of Sociology,College of Public Management, South China Agriculture University)
  • Online:2010-09-20 Published:2010-09-20
  • Contact: Author1:Zhang Qinjie, The Department of Sociology,College of Public Management,South China Agriculture University E-mail:lindalion@scau.edu.cn
  • About author:Author1:Zhang Qinjie, The Department of Sociology,College of Public Management,South China Agriculture University;Author2:Wang Jianping, Department of Sociology,College of Public Management, South China Agriculture University
  • Supported by:

    This research was supported by the President Foundation of South China Agriculture University:“Study on Autonomy of the Guangdong ProvinceLevel Business Association”(7700K08003),and the  “11th Fiveyear Plan” research topics of Philosophy Social Science Planning of Guangdong: “The Motivation, Influence and Balance of the RightsDefending Movement of Civic Proprietors in Pearl River Delta”(07H05).

Abstract:

Focusing on the provincelevel business associations in Guangdong, this study assessed the associations’ autonomy and summarized the theories of organizational autonomy and its influencing factors. The study did an empirical analysis of the influences of two variables on the autonomy of these associations: associationstate relational strength and organizational size. The first variable was found to be negatively correlated with associations’ total autonomy, tangible human resources and finance, and cognitive autonomy, but not with activity autonomy. There was no correlation between organizational size and total or specific autonomy.

Key words:  business association , organizational autonomy   , group relationships  ,   organizational size   , Guangdong