ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that identity in Taiwan, as manifested in entrepreneurial narratives, is multiple and fluid. Many of the characteristics labeled as "Chinese" or "Confucian," such as strong family structures, business orientation, diligence and thrift, and networking, are present in Taiwan and expressed clearly in these narratives. Most importantly, these narratives show that familism is clearly not characteristic of all Taiwanese firms, as there is a wide diversity of firm organization in Taiwan. Ever since the Taipei Stock Exchange was established in 1962, Taiwanese firms have increasingly looked to capital markets. Leather tanners identify two major trends in leather tanning, reflecting changes in the Taiwanese economy in general. The first is a trend toward corporate organization, meaning a separation of ownership and management and the increased hiring of professional managers. The second is a shift away from labor-intensive to capital-intensive production.
