Wang, "The social functions of private neighborhood associations: The case of homeowner associations in urban China," 2008

Feng Wang, Ph.D

Abstract (Summary)

This dissertation investigates newly emerging Chinese Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and two specific social functions they serve in neighborhood governance in urban China--solving neighborhood problems and promoting civic participation. The analysis of this study is based on data collected through face-to-face interviews with leaders and general members of registered HOAs in Beijing, the examination of various documents and participant observation of HOA affairs.

This study finds that the existing external institutional environment does not favor the operations and future development of Chinese HOAs. The incomplete and ambiguous regulations governing Chinese HOAs significantly impair HOAs in carrying out their social functions. The lack of enforcement of HOA regulations allows other organizations with competing interests to interfere with Chinese HOA operations and development.

This study shows that Chinese HOAs demonstrate different degrees of problem-solving effectiveness under similar unfavorable institutional environments. The findings reveal that the impacts of neighborhood and organizational factors on HOA effectiveness differ in solving the two most prominent types of neighborhood issues--namely, issues involving developers and property management firms. Local governments' attitudes toward HOAs and the degree of HOAs' financial dependence on management firms are the main determinants of Chinese HOA effectiveness in solving both types of problems.

The findings also show that most HOAs in Beijing operate based on democratic principles: They have created various governing structures to encourage resident participation; they have open and shared decision-making processes on important issues; and most HOA leaders trust their members' civic efficacy. The findings suggest that resident civic awareness and participation are more likely to be improved in organizations with formalized and democratic governing structures, frequent communication between the committee and residents, and leaders who strongly believe in resident civic efficacy.

Advisor: Cooper, Terry L.
Committee members: Tang, Shui-Yan,  Cooper, Eugene