Entrepreneurship and innovation in a socialist market economy: The role of family and culture in private enterprise development in China

This study profiles the characteristics, attributes and growth orientations of Mainland Chinese entrepreneurs including the relationships, roles, and contributions family and culture plays in the development of private SMEs. Drawing on a sample of 222 entrepreneurs' psychographic motives, demographic attributes, and business activities are revealed. Family and enterprise relationships related to employment, investment, and active family participation and growth orientations are empirically tested. The findings suggest that entrepreneurs are motivated by the need for independent-based achievement and continuous learning around a family focus. Entrepreneurs were found to rely heavily on family member participation to establish, develop and grow their enterprises.