Doctoral Dissertation Research in Sociology: Markets, Culture, and Institutions: Business Groups in Taiwan's Economic Development 1960's-1990's

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Business groups are a special type of enterprise organization existing in almost every market economy. Usually they play a significant role in the development of these economies. Although their distinct organizational structure and close relationships with economic growth have attracted much attention, there is no satisfactory explanation for this organizational form. This doctoral dissertation research project will study the formation, evolution, and economic performance of Taiwanese top 100 business groups. In contrast to market-centered theories, cultural arguments, and neo-institutionalism in organizational sociology, it proposes that a modified institutional perspective is more appropriate to study these issues. Preliminary studies will employ descriptive analyses of several longitudinal data sets. Based on the preliminary findings, the project will investigate the growth patterns of 150 business groups, along with structural changes in 234 business groups in 1973, 1986, and 1994. The methods to be used include loglinear models, network analysis, and regression statistics. These studies will not only increase our understanding of business groups and contribute to establishing a general theory of economic organizations, but also shed light on East Asian economic development.