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This qualitative study examined relationship cultivation and public relations practices in start-up companies in Mainland China. Findings from 28 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs in China1 suggest that employees and customers are the most important strategic publics for start-ups, followed by investors, the media, and the government. Symmetrical relationship cultivation strategies suggested in previous literature apply to the start-up context in China with specific variations. New strategies such as vision and value communication, empowerment, authentic communication, and proactive reporting were identified for start-ups to build quality relationships with various strategic publics. Compared with large established corporations, start-ups have unique public relations purposes, needs, and scope of practice. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Applying in-depth interviews with 22 Chinese executives, this study intends to interpret their perceptions of the four aspects of crises: causes, consequences, caution and coping. Findings suggest that the informants tend to blame external constituencies for frequent adverse events experienced by Chinese enterprises and equate crisis management with quick problem solving in which technical protection of corporate image via effective leadership is the top priority. Nonetheless, prescriptive lessons as presented in Western literature do occupy a position in the minds of Chinese executives. These lessons serve both as a counterpoint against which a desirable mode of crisis management in China is articulated and as a representation of personal aspiration that will remain an ambition as long as the Chinese economy has not passed certain hurdles in development. Based on the insights gained, we put forward an alternative way of thinking about crisis management, i.e., a manager''s self-positioning within the larger socio-economic context rather than managerial competence defines what constitutes perceived meaningful forms and processes in which unfavourable circumstances are contained or handled. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

China is undergoing rapid economic and political change, accompanied by developments in e-government, with radical implications for citizens. The article considers the modernisation of government organisation, and challenges of technology management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China, the same as her Western counterpart countries, has been experiencing educational decentralization over the last two decades. Such a policy shift, however, brings with it issues of “managerialism”, “accountability” and “competition”, all of which are becoming part of the common language in the educational lexicon. These newly imposed strictures have been theorized to influence teachers' daily practice in certain ways and also their views about their roles and responsibilities. It is said teachers have had to redefine their professionalism due to the invasion of this “audit culture” in education. However, research on this particular area has not devoted significant attention to the voices of teachers. This paper uses interview data from 75 teachers in Guangdong Province of China to find out whether policy changes have necessitated teachers to develop strategies to cope with new educational demands and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]