Singular and Different Business in China, Past, Present and Future

The West cannot afford to ignore China. Not only is China one of the few markets in the world that is still showing healthy signs of growth, but Chinese companies are increasingly coming out into the wider world and competing with Western firms on their own turf. China is the coming economic superpower of the Twenty-first-century, and now is the time to start understanding China and building relationships to it. This book aims to describe some features of the Chinese business environment and culture, including the origins and development of that culture, and introduce Western business people to some of the key features, as well as some of the less obvious ones. It offers cautionary tales and warnings of risk, along with advice on how the latter can be overcome. It breaks down a number of misconceptions about China and offers managers a more realistic view of management in China today.

Introduction Why is China so Important? And Why is it so Important to Know about China? All under heaven: The Growth of Culture and Society The Language of the Han: Writing and Speaking Chinese Administering Wealth: Chinese Thinking about Economics Mutual Misunderstanding: Mandarins, Cadres, Taipans and Traders China Stands Up: The Rise of Modern China Equality and Mutual Benefit: Talking Business, Both Ways Within the Four Seas: Compatriots at Home and Abroad The Long Game: Managing Foreign Ventures in China Rushing into the Future: China's Financial Markets Seek Truth from Facts: Finding out more about China

IAN RAE is a businessman and consultant who has spent most of his working life in the Far East. He now writes on China, including a series of articles for Mastering Management Review, published by the Financial Times. He has also lectured on business in China at the School of Oriental and African Studies and at the London Business School.

MORGEN WITZEL is a writer and lecturer. He taught business methods in china at London Business School for five years and is the author of numerous books and articles on China. He is currently honorary Senior Fellow at the School of Business and Economics, Exeter University.