ABSTRACT
The structure of the Chinese political system is more like the partnership structure of a law firm, in which people at all levels participate in decisions, than a typical government or corporate structure. This style of governance is called collective leadership. At any given level of government, no one person can make a decision by himself or herself; rather, consensus or at least majority support is needed for major decisions. As in a law firm, each person in the collective leadership can make routine decisions related to his portfolio of responsibilities without consulting his peers. At the same time, every person is asked to participate in discussions and vote on major decisions concerning them, although the process of voting and decision making is typically kept secret.
