ABSTRACT
Given the rich variety of forms encountered in China’s organisational landscape, one can always find exceptions to the rule. Such was the case with appointments at the Capital Iron and Steel Company under the autocratic leadership of its Party secretary, Zhou Guanwu. Vice-general managers in large state firms are generally appointed by outside agencies and are thus not answerable to the leadership of the firm itself. Firms are, however, free to appoint one or two assistant general managers themselves. Zhou was able to achieve greater autonomy for Capital Steel by reversing the normal pattern, decreasing the number of vice-general managers and expanding the number of assistants.
