Chinese puzzles and paradoxes : conducting business research in China

The issue of relevant research methodology for scholarly work undertaken in China is the focus of this paper. The initial intent is to review problems that constrain scholars planning to undertake research on managerial issues in China. These include problems relating to probability sampling, government controls, the lack of reliable secondary data, survey instrument design and survey implementation. Although many of the difficulties identified are not easily addressed, a number of approaches that can be helpful in ameliorating key problem areas are discussed. In conclusion, a brief analysis of key features of the papers submitted to this special issue is provided.Department of Management and Marketin