Real estate agency in China in the information age

Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims at examining the emergence of the current structure of the real estate agency businesses in Beijing in the age of information technology. Design/methodology/approach - The study utilises the analytical framework developed under the Grounded Theory model by coding the interview results with six major real estate agencies in Beijing. Findings - The model explains the metamorphosis development of a new sector of service agents in the society which itself is undergoing colossal changes in the socio-economic system. The analysis shows that the impact of information technology does not pose a threat to these agents in Beijing in various circles, but works to increase the competitive advantages inducing more collaboration and market innovations. Research limitations/implications - The research is limited to the city of Beijing only and generalisation of the conclusion from the analysis needs to be qualified carefully for other cities in China, or even other countries. Originality/value - The advent of information technology, especially in the last decade has set the momentum for changes in various sectors of our society. However, the impact is not felt evenly on each of these sectors in the society. The service industry is a typical example where a wide spectrum of sub-sectors exists, ranging from close personal services such as hairdressing to information selling. The degree of impact from the new era of information revolution varies with the nature of each sub-sector. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.