China`s Entrepreneurs
Linda Y. Yueh
Abstract
This paper investigates the traits of the self-employed entrepreneurs in urban China, an economy rife with informational and institutional imperfections, under-developed financial markets, but a growing and important non-state sector. The self-employed make on average 20% more than non-entrepreneurs, but are similar in their age, marital status, educational attainment, and socio-economic background. Fewer are Communist Party members and more have experienced unemployment. Social networks are significant in entrepreneurship, while women and older workers are less likely to become self-employed unless they have experienced unemployment. Motivation and drive, as do attitudes toward risk, are also determinative factors.
Keywords: Asia, China, Self-employment, Entrepreneurship, Social networks, Development
Date: April 2007 | Reference number(s): 324
Series: Department of Economics Discussion Paper Series
JEL Classifications: J44, O53, O12