by Wong Ka-chung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-111). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract in English / Abstract in Chinese / Acknowledgments / Tables and Figures / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Socializing Economic Transformation --- p.1 / The Puzzle: Why Frontrunner Finishes Last --- p.1 / Beyond the Myth of Free Market --- p.6 / In Search of a Social-Organizational Approach --- p.9 / Hong Kong Electronics Revisited --- p.24 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Hong Kong as A Follower in the Rear --- p.30 / The Electronics Industry in Retrospect --- p.30 / Inertia in Upgrade as a Strategic Choice --- p.40 / Flexibility or Rigidity: a Second Thought --- p.51 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Uncovering Local Dynamics --- p.53 / International Subcontracting as a Double-edged Sword --- p.53 / Uncovering Local Dynamics --- p.59 / Handicapped Firms in Truncated Market --- p.69 / Reinstating Local Dynamics in Global Continuity --- p.75 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Reinstating Possibilities for Upgrade --- p.76 / Alternative Organizational Forms Unearthed --- p.76 / The Institutional Effect Reinstated --- p.86 / Hong Kong Upgrade Failure Reconsidered --- p.93 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Social Selection of Upgrade Trajectory --- p.95 / References --- p.103 / Appendix 1 The Data Set of 53 Electronics Companies Listed on HKSE / Appendix 2 The Schedule for In-depth Interview with Hong Kong Electronics Firms