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The
Cross Border Leader
To
successfully lead and influence, one
must first understand the culture.
For
much of the Far East and
countries in South-East Asia, this
means having a working knowledge of Confucianism
and Taoism. From
this foundation, one can then focus on key cultural business
values, communication techniques and (most importantly) how
to develop business relationships.
These
Programs are Designed For:
Expatriates
(Expats) preparing for assignment
Expats
currently on station
Frequent
flyers engaging in international business
The
Focus is on:
China
Taiwan
Korea,
and
The
55 million Overseas Chinese in located in countries such as
Malaysia
Understanding
Business Culture and Business Practices
Success in doing business with the Chinese
means understanding cultural business values
and practices. This is the glue which holds any business deal
together. One doesn't have to be a scholar on culture, but one better
not assume that "they do business like we do."
Most countries in Asia are market oriented economies
with growing export capabilities. Dunung covers 19 different
countries in Asia—China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia,
Thailand, Philippines,etc.The book focuses on practical side
of getting business done.
There is also a focus on other important aspects
of in country business practices and culture such as the history,
political structure, economy, social customs, work schedules,
making contacts
and
so on. The book covers the social side of business and even presents
a comprehensive list of organizations and points of contact in
each country.
High-Technology Enterprises in China (Cornell Studies
in Political Economy)
by Adam Segal
The China central government and a number of municipal
governments are promoting the idea of technology clusters. It's
hoped that these will reach critical mass and explode into business
activity like what is seen around Boston's Route 128 and Silicon
Valley.
The book looks at four key regions: Beijing, Shanghai,
Xi'an, and Guangzhou. These new Minying businesses
then focus on developing hi-tech products and services. Of
course, these enterprises act and function differently than Chinese
government
agencies or state owned enterprises.
Culture and Conflict in China's Business
Revolution
by David Sheff
Unlike Digital Dragon, which is a which
is a well researched academic work complete with interviews, China
Dawn is a description of what Chinese entrepreneurs and
founders go through to grow a business in greater China. It's
value lies not in
theory
and principles, but in capturing real experience practices.
Your Pocket Guide to Chinese Business, Customs
and Etiquette
Peggy Kenna and Sondra Lacy
Passport China and Business China together
form a very good introduction to how business is conducted in
the Chinese.
Passport China provides a sound set of
foundation ideas and concepts for the business person who does
not have
vast
knowledge and experience in working with Chinese business people.
It
covers customs, Chinese culture, business practices, and
business culture so one can understand the reasons
behind the actions. Good read for the airplane.
A Practical Guide to Understanding Chinese Business
Culture
Peggy Kenna and Sondra Lacy
This is a great guide for those who have visited
China, but still find themselves perplexed by Chinese culture
to better what you are seeing and hearing. The book focuses
on the differences
in
Chinese
culture in the areas of communication style, leadership, organizational
structure, punctuality, meetings, negotiations, nonverbal communication
and so on. It's an easy read and jammed packed full of very practical
and useful information.
The book starts with a quote by Lord MacCartney
who said, "What does everybody here know of China? Even
those Europeans who have been in the Empire are almost as ignorant
of it as the rest of us." Even though those words were written
in 1790, it remains true today. There are vast differences between
Chinese and Western culture, business practices and history that
will cause your venture to fail, even
if one has a useful product or service.
The book looks
at the practical side of market entry to identify the areas
and barriers that don't appear in the business plan. There
is
a strong focus on differences in business practices and Chinese
culture.
Shattering Cultural Myths to Advance Chinese American Business
by Charles Lee
The book is build around two metaphors: the Americans
who are the cowboys and the mainland Chinese who are the dragons.
The key to success, says this venture capitalist author, is understand
Chinese culture and the motives beneath the behavior.
For example, one should not get stuck in word smithing the
business plan or the international marketing plan.
There are numerous practical examples throughout
the book on how culture resulted in subtle misunderstandings,
botched business deals and failed ventures. For example,
"cowboys"
are
self-oriented,
profit driven and rule (law) obedient; while "dragons" are
more group oriented, harmony driven and ruled by hierarchical
authority.
A Guide to
Protocol, Manners, and Culture in the People's Republic of China
by Scott D. Seligman
It's been our
experience that the Chinese don't expect Americans to know
much about their customs and culture. If you do, however, you
have a competitive advantage over the "tourist" businessmen
who expects people in Wuhan to act like those in Houston.
The book covers
key Chinese culture values and customs like liejie, mian zi,
guan xi. It gives a great deal of practical advice on conducting
meetings,
what
to
do during
a banquet, gift-giving, host-guest relations, the greeting ritual,
serving as a host, etc. The book does an excellent job of preparing
one for a successful business trip.