A window on information systems technology in China

The status of information technology in China is important to Western firms contemplating cooperative commercial arrangements with Chinese firms. This paper discusses the characteristics of the information technology environment in China. It presents the results of an open-ended questionnaire administered in 1986, and two structured questionnaires administered in 1990 and 1992, to a group of Chinese managers about the introduction and diffusion of computer-based management information systems in their respective organizations. The study presents managers' perspectives across multiple layers of organizational structures. The particular managers who shared their views can be best described as ambitious fast-track individuals who are open to new ideas. They are perhaps representative of the future industrial leaders of China. Of more immediate importance, they typify the type of manager currently involved in China's 'open market' sector. These managers are critical employees of import/export divisions, members of joint venture teams and spokespersons for branch offices of foreign firms. In other words, they represent the type of Chinese manager with whom Western firms currently deal, and will be dealing with in the future. Other implications for firms contemplating joint venture relationships with Chinese firms are also given in light of the authors' experience and the results of the survey.