Managing Market, Hierarchy, and Network: The Jiuda Salt Industries, Ltd., 1917-1937

As China underwent industrialization during the Republican period,how did companies deal with the problems of expansion, competition,and relationship with the state? Using the concept of networkcapitalism, this article demythologizes the "enigma" of Chinesenetwork by analyzing the experience of the Jiuda Salt Industries,Ltd. Fan Xudong, the company’s founder, deftly managedhis network portfolio for information and other resources. Kithand kin as shareholders, interlocking directorates, and cross-shareholding,as well as hierarchical management and cartels, were utilizedto raise capital and manage local markets. Market, hierarchy,and network thus constitute three complementary organizationprinciples in explaining Jiuda’s success.