Female Entrepreneurs in a Transitional Economy

Abstract

Many questions can be raised about the position of women in business in China. Has the reform period given women greater opportunities to enhance their economic and social status? What proportion of new small businesses are owned by women and how does the situation in China compare with that in other countries? Are women involved in large businesses? Are women in managerial positions in private business? Are women as motivated as men to achieve managerial positions? Do men and women in China manage businesses differently? Do men and women have different personnel management styles? What are the career options? Are women subject to discrimination and harassment in the workplace? Does the ‘glass ceiling’ exist in China? Are the issues of concern for Chinese businesswomen similar to those of businesswomen elsewhere or are their experiences determined more by specifically Chinese social and economic conditions? These questions are being examined through ongoing research conducted in Yunnan province in south-west China and in Shanghai and Suzhou in eastern China using literature search, questionnaire survey and structured interviews with women working in both state-owned and private business.