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Clan culture and supply chain resilience in China

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  • Ding, Haoyuan
  • Li, Chang
  • Lu, Xingyu
  • Wang, Huanhuan

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of clan culture on supply chain resilience in China. We provide evidence that firms in cities with stronger clans experience fewer supply chain disruptions. The patterns remain robust to alternative measures, various subsamples, and instrumental variable estimations. When natural disasters, tariff shocks, and unfavorable credit policies negatively impact the stability of supply chains, our results show that clans significantly enhance resilience to these shocks. Mechanism tests suggest that clans serve as a substitute for contractual institutions and particularly, stabilize the relationships with socially connected suppliers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ding, Haoyuan & Li, Chang & Lu, Xingyu & Wang, Huanhuan, 2025. "Clan culture and supply chain resilience in China," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:238:y:2025:i:c:s0167268125003385
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107219
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    JEL classification:

    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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