The Chinese corporate governance mode : adapt or adopt?

Abstract

This thesis seeks to analyse the development and determinants of the corporate governance framework in China. With a focus on the emerging corporate governance framework, the relation between regulation, firms and the single-party state is examined. Corporate governance failures have not been a significant area of study in the governance literature. The analysis of recent high-level corruption cases in the oil industry provides evidence for the persisting influence of the Party-state on governance through personal networks and family ties at the nexus of state and economy. The findings suggest that there are significant underlying constraints which limit the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework. State shareholding, agency chains and a subservient legal system with a parallel legal sphere all impair the new corporate governance system. While a basic system is in place, improving governance remains difficult. An overhaul of the current constellation and second wave of SOE reforms is deemed necessary.