Society Managing Society: Innovation in the System of Management for Social Organizations

Abstract Categorized management is one of the main lines of thinking on the reform of the Chinese system of management for social organizations. However, there is a divergence of opinion amongst different researchers on the standards for categorization. On the basis of the findings of international research about supportive social organizations, the authors attempt to set forth a way of categorizing social organizations into two main groups: supportive and implementing organizations. They go on to demonstrate that the management of implementing organizations through supportive social organizations is a new kind of innovation within the self-governance of society and system of management for social organizations in China. Three methods of supportive social organization management and service for implementing organizations are explored, including industry leadership, bridging between sectors and self-regulation. Finally, a description is given of the challenges faced by China’s supportive social organizations themselves during their own development.