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Doing Business in Asia:

The Complete Guide
by Sanjyot P. Dunung

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.

Digital Dragon:

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.

China Dawn:

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.

Passport China:

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.

Business China:

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.

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Doing Business in China

Tim Ambler and Morgen Witzel

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.

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Cowboys and Dragons

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.

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Chinese Business Etiquette:

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.