Globalization and the Renewal of Asian Business Networks

How are Asia's business networks responding to the growing integration of the region into the global economy? To address the question the paper identifies two distinct types of Asian business network originating in two different institutional contexts. It is argued that these original contexts have imprinted upon dominant firms' governance structures and influence their preferred networking mode. Consequently, the renewal of business networks reflects the pressures of globalization and the governance structures of the dominant organizational forms in the networks. Two types of network (global commodity chains and family business groups) are described and the global pressures for change bearing upon them outlined.     

Business groups in East Asia: Post-crisis restructuring and new growth

Business groups played an important role in the economic development of East Asian countries. Yet business groups in East Asia face an uncertain future. Following the Asian Crisis, foreign creditors and investors have demanded that business groups have more transparent operations and stronger corporate governance. At the same time, as governments in East Asia have loosened trade barriers, business groups have become subject to intense competition in domestic markets. This paper argues that business groups can survive or even prosper by taking initiatives in corporate restructuring. This paper also highlights some areas for further research on business groups in this region.