A thesis submitted to the University of Bedfordshire in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of PhilosophyThis is an exploratory study which investigated the process by which banks' lending behaviour in Myanmar (Burma) was influenced by the institutional environment and their responses towards them. The theoretical framework used in this study was primarily drawn upon Scott's new institutional theory. Since the theory focused on the convergent perspective rather than divergent perspective, the theory of Oliver's strategic responses to these institutional pressures, coercive, normative and mimetic, was incorporated in the theoretical framework development. The main method of data collection was interviews.
NVIVO was used to analyse these interviewed data. However, descriptive statistics were also used to provide a comprehensive picture of the context being studied. The findings suggest that banks' always attempted to extemalise risks to borrowers. Their responses to institutional pressures were to conform but a range of other forms of resistance were also found. However, strong forms of resistance were uncommon. I have also identified the situations in which the banks would choose either strong or weak forms of resistance to institutional pressures. Such identifications may add understanding to the specific lending strategies that are developed in different circumstances. The study also contributed to closing the gap in banking literature through conducting research in the context of Myanmar, which was previously unexplored. In addition, it suggests areas needed to be improved for financial sector development in Myanmar
