Moving Chinese-Focused Research Forward: Indigenous Theory and Family Business

摘要

Scholars tend to employ "universal" theories developed within the Western context, particularly the United States, when examining Chinese business phenomena. However, the applicability of such theories universally in the domain of family business in China is questionable. In order to address such Chinese context, we argue for the need to build indigenous theory. Specifically, we argue that three domains in family businesses in China represent such distinct differences from the West that such "universal" theories cannot explain them. We explore these three domains and, in turn, examine how to build indigenous theories in these scenarios. Specifically, we point out the need for abductive theory building to develop indigenous theory in China around the concerns of professionalization, harmony, and the role of government.