Enterprise society : a study of Harbin Measuring & Cutting Tool Works

Abstract

The Enterprise Society was established under the Socialism system, with planned economy, public ownership of property and equal wealth distribution. Workers are the owners of the factory and the factory is the home of workers. It was the primary form of China's residential settlements built after 1949. After about 40 years of practice, these settlements have shown many special characteristics different from the other residential areas. By using Harbin Measuring & Cutting Tool Works, Inc., a prime factory in China's tool industry, as a case study, this thesis has done an evaluation of this settlement form. Through a study of the organization, quality of social and physical environment inside the enterprise, the thesis analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of enterprise societies in relationship to the changing economic and social backgrounds. The current reform in China is changing the country's economic and ideological structures which are causing many related systems to change. Among the housing in China, a large percentage is operated by big enterprises. Basing on the analysis the thesis concluded by offering some suggestions on housing reform in enterprise societies.