Building Closer Economic Ties between China and Africa: Small Traders Operating in China

23 Pages Posted: 3 Aug 2017

See all articles by Gido Mapunda

Gido Mapunda

University of South Australia - School of Management

Xiaohui Wang

Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) - Lingnan (University) College

Denis O'Malley

University of South Australia

John Benson

Monash University Malaysia

Ying Zhu

University of South Australia

Date Written: April 1, 2017

Abstract

There are an increasing number of small African traders operating business in China and developing the “China-Africa Supply Chain.” While this has contributed to the China-Africa relationship and the “globalization from below phenomenon,” there is surprising little research that has been undertaken to explore and analyze this development. In this study, we investigate how small African and Chinese traders engage in business, including managing cross-cultural communications and adapting to social norms, cultural values, and new institutional environments. Our findings indicate that agile and flexible small traders using traditional values and strong networks can thrive within globalization. Small African and Chinese traders in China expect to endure as global exporters and, by doing so, are strengthening ties between China and Africa.

Suggested Citation

Mapunda, Gido and Wang, Xiaohui and O'Malley, Denis and Benson, John and Zhu, Ying, Building Closer Economic Ties between China and Africa: Small Traders Operating in China (April 1, 2017). Rutgers Business Review, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3012251

Gido Mapunda (Contact Author)

University of South Australia - School of Management ( email )

Australia

Xiaohui Wang

Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) - Lingnan (University) College ( email )

135, Xingang Xi Road
Guangzhou, Guangdong 510275
China

Denis O'Malley

University of South Australia

37-44 North Terrace, City West Campus
Adelaide, South Australia 5001
Australia

John Benson

Monash University Malaysia ( email )

Jalan Lagoon Selatan
Bandar Sunway
Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Selangor 46150
Malaysia

Ying Zhu

University of South Australia ( email )

GPO BOX 2471
ADELAIDE, South Australia 5001
Australia

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