by CHERA Admin Comment Closed

Early Career Researchers Network in
Asian Higher Education Studies

The Consortium for Higher Education Research in Asia (CHERA) (Chair: Professor Gerard A. Postiglione) and the Social Contexts and Policies of Education (SCAPE) at the Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong host a series of forums for post-doc research and doctoral students in Asia who are studying in the field of higher education. The forums aim to identify common challenges in Asian higher education, build a vibrant and sustainable network, and strengthen the research collaboration among emerging scholars in higher education. The forums cover a broad range of issues in Asian higher education including higher education and science policy, teaching and learning, student experience, equity/access, quality assurance, internationalization, and privatization and finance. On-going researches (project or dissertations) and recently published works are all welcome to be presented and discussed. Both individual/co-presentations and panel discussion formats are welcome. The forums are conducted in English via an online platform.

Anyone who is interested in presenting their research, please contact the coordinators: Dr Jisun Jung (jisun@hku.hk) and Dr Alice Te (aliceteyc@yahoo.com.hk). Please send the (tentative) title, abstract (150 words), and a bio (50 words).

If you have any inquiries about the seminar/consortium, please contact us cherhku@hku.hk

Seminar 5: June 3, 2021 (Thursday)  ǀ  15:00-16:00 (HKT)

Graduate Entrepreneurs in Urban China: The Impact of Changing Institutional Environment on the Role of Social Network

Presenter: Dr Yuyang KANG, Lingnan University, Hong Kong

Chair & Discussant: Dr Mengyang LI, Southern University of Science & Technology

Website: Click here
Registration: Click here
Abstract:
Extended research has shown the significance of social networks in influencing entrepreneurship in China. However, much less is known about how rapid urbanisation and internationalisation have influenced the changing role of different social networks in the younger generation. This article draws on initial fieldwork conducted in Shenzhen to discuss the traditional and transitional elements in young graduate entrepreneurs’ familial and professional ties. It examines in detail the changing role of family and pseudo-family networks and identifies a new type of professional network in Shenzhen, termed ‘giant company old boy’s society’ by the author. This type of network originates from professional networks in one’s previous employment experiences which later transform into ties ascribed by people’s identity as members of a specific community with characteristics of Chinese guanxi and strong ties. This article argues social networks serve as a substitute to unstable institutional support in urban China. This article concludes by discussing the changing nature of guanxi and social networks in urban China and its implication to entrepreneurship development in countries with rapidly changing social context.