How to evaluate company directors at state owned enterprises? A framework of virtue and competence based on the Chinese experience

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes a framework for director evaluation in the context of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs), taking into account the influences of traditional and modern Chinese ideologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the Delphi method, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese SOE directors.

Findings

The framework used has been validated by examining seven dimensions of virtue and four dimensions of competence functions in Chinese SOEs. Effective and representative characteristics of each dimension are identified through interviews.

Originality/value

First, through this research, indicators of virtue have been materialized and those of competence have been specified in a broader range. Second, this research provides advice for training of candidate directors whose experience were in private firms before they step in as SOE directors.

Citation

Xu, X., Hu, T., Guo, R., Chen, S. and Ning, L. (2025), "How to evaluate company directors at state owned enterprises? A framework of virtue and competence based on the Chinese experience", International Journal of Emerging Markets, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 230-258. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOEM-01-2022-0150