Powered by “Qinghuai”: The melding of traditional values and digital entrepreneurship in contemporary China

2021 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 0

Authors: Xiao, Xiao; Tan, Barney; Leong, Carmen; Tan, Felix Ter Chian

Abstract: Based on three case studies of Chinese Internet start-ups, this study seeks to a ... Expand

Abstract: Based on three case studies of Chinese Internet start-ups, this study seeks to address the research question: “How is digital entrepreneurship enacted in China?” Our findings reveal that there was a common theme that underpinned the start-ups we studied, which we termed ‘Qinghuai’ in the language of the informants we spoke with. In this paper, we explain the roots of the concept and its six constituent elements at the individual, organizational, and ecosystem levels. These elements are then abstracted into two dimensions: (a) spiritual idealism and (b) perpetual development. We argue that Qinghuai as a concept is a product and reflection of the cultural and institutional complexity of contemporary China. Further, we discuss how Qinghuai facilitates digital entrepreneurship across the business, organizational, and technological domains. This explanation is substantiated by data from our three cases and juxtaposed with what has been discussed in the existing digital entrepreneurship literature. Finally, as we present the contributions of our study, we elaborate on (a) how Qinghuai reflects the contemporary context of China; (b) how Qinghuai is instrumental to digital entrepreneurship in China; and (c) how Qinghuai is different from other related concepts including Guanxi, collectivism, collective action and social entrepreneurship. We conclude the paper by discussing its limitations, future research opportunities, as well as its practical implications. Collapse

Topics: digital entrepreneurship electronic finance entrepreneurship societal challenge usability

Methods: case study qualitative interview qualitative coding theory development field study

Theories: theory of economic growth

Impact sourcing ventures and local communities: a frame alignment perspective

2016 | Information Systems Journal | Citations: 13

Authors: Sandeep, M. S.; Ravishankar, M. N.

Abstract: Using qualitative methods, this paper explores how impact sourcing (ImS) venture ... Expand

Abstract: Using qualitative methods, this paper explores how impact sourcing (ImS) ventures frame their activities to marginalized communities. In doing so, the paper attempts to unearth the social–psychological processes undergirding ImS strategies. The findings highlight the difficulties faced by ImS ventures in operationalizing their strategic intent. More specifically, the paper provides insights into how different and diverse framings are used by ImS ventures to influence the local community. From a strategic perspective, the paper suggests that framings related to progress, family, material benefit and egalitarianism can help overcome the inevitable tensions and misunderstandings with the community. Drawing on the findings, we develop a process model that describes how competing framings of an ImS venture and the community could eventually align. Theoretically, the paper illuminates the day to day micro-processes of reality negotiation between socially driven information technology – business process outsourcing businesses and the local communities they seek to impact. Collapse

Topics: database system business model IT skill business process outsourcing blog

Methods: field study qualitative interview business process modeling ethnography qualitative coding