THE STATE-SOE[1] RELATIONSHIP: SOME PATTERNS

This article focuses on the pattern of relationship that develops over time between a state-owned firm and its owner. the main hypothesis is that there is not a single, permanent pattern of relationship. Instead, it is proposed that there are three possible modes of interaction, which can be combined into a cycle. the state-SOE relationships are thus shown to evolve from mutual dependance and co-operation to autonomy via an adversarial stage. The article first provides detailed examples of the various types of relations that have been revealed by research, then combines them into the idea of cycle, before investigating the forces that lie under the cycle. It finally offers several implications for both practice and research.