From Cadres to Managers : The Double-hundred Action Programme and China's State-owned Enterprise Reform

Abstract

Reforming China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) is a complex endeavour. Among recent initiatives, the double-hundred action (DHA) programme stands out for its ambition, especially in its aim to revamp corporate governance structures and management systems. A notable change is that top executive positions are now open to a wider and more diverse candidate pool and are no longer restricted to Party cadres. Based on fieldwork and interviews at a DHA-selected enterprise, this paper explores the DHA's impact on SOE functioning and governance. Our research reveals unanimous support among top executives for the policy, despite stringent performance appraisals and limitations on future promotion opportunities. The policy has significantly transformed recruitment, performance evaluation and remuneration within the enterprise under study. However, although top executive recruitment is no longer tied to Party membership, the Party still exerts its influence through key appointments on the board of directors. 中国国有企业改革是一项复杂的工作。在最近的举措中， “双百行动”以其雄心壮志脱颖而出，尤其是其旨在改革公司治理结构和管理制度的目标。一个显著的变化是，高层管理人员现在从多样化的人才库中招聘，而不局限于党员干部。本文基于对双百行动试点企业的实地调查和访谈，探讨了双百行动对国有企业运作和治理的影响。我们的研究揭示了，尽管绩效考核严格且未来晋升机会有限，但高层管理人员一致支持这项政策。该政策极大地改变了我们的案例在招聘、绩效评估和薪酬方面的情况。然而，在党的控制方面，虽然高层管理人员的招聘不再完全与党员身份挂钩，但党仍通过董事会的关键职位施加影响。