A study of public policy influences upon the development of rural enterprises, with particular reference to China's rural enterprises, 1978-1992

Abstract

This study is an analysis of how public policy changes in China influenced the development of rural enterprises from 1978 to 1992. Starting in 1978, China's leadership implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at rebuilding domestic legitimacy by catching up with the industrialized nations of the West and the new industrial powers of Asia. These reforms in combination created a political and economic environment that proved conducive to the development of rural enterprises. Despite the undoubted progress of the 1980s, changes in public policy have been inadequate, and ideological and political problems continue to prevent rural enterprises from making even greater developments. However, mounting social and economic problems, such as rural unemployment, and the economic strength of rural enterprises will push against these constraints. These conditions may force the leadership to take further changes in public policy which will allow rural enterprises to play increasingly important roles in the Chinese economy. The thesis consists of nine chapters. Chapter One is a general introduction to the research area. Chapter Two deals with the evolution of rural enterprises policy both before and after 1978. Chapter Three examines regional policy variations for rural enterprises. Chapter Four focuses on the implications of market reform and market expansion for rural enterprises. Chapter Five assesses the impacts of rural employment and regional development strategies for rural enterprises. Chapter Six examines financial and taxation policies towards rural enterprises. Chapter Seven and Chapter Eight deal with policies to improve the management and technology of rural enterprises. Chapter Nine draws conclusions and evaluates likely future development of rural enterprises.