Book Description

Introduction : why we wrote this book. 1. Understanding and managing China-specific issues. 2. China holds lessons for a globalized world -- ch. 1. Chinese business climate. 1.1. Land of golden opportunity or corporate quagmire? 1.2. From manufacturing base to competitive market. 1.3. More demanding head offices. 1.4. A welcoming business climate ... 1.5. ... Or the heavy hand of the state? 1.6. The wild east. 1.7. What you as a manager can influence -- ch. 2. Differences and similarities. 2.1. Sources of some differences from other markets. 2.2. Some "China" factors with global relevance. 2.3. Common myths about China. 2.4. A diverse and heterogeneous market. 2.5. Do You really need to be in China? 2.6. Common sense solutions -- ch. 3. Key concepts of Chinese business culture. 3.1. Face - making other people look good. 3.2. Giving, and saving, face. 3.3. Guanxi - business relationships. 3.4. Government relations. 3.5. Business etiquette. 3.6. Negotiating in China -- ch. 4. The language challenge. 4.1. Language is and will remain an issue. 4.2. Make sure your interpreter understands the business. 4.3. Beware of the "confidant trap". 4.4. Checklist for non-Chinese speakers -- ch. 5. Qualities of the right expatriate manager. 5.1. Send your best people. 5.2. Professional qualities. 5.3. Personal qualities. 5.4. Long-term commitment -- ch. 6. Company setup. 6.1. Geographic considerations. 6.2. Development zones. 6.3. Legal structure. 6.4. Finding and managing business partner relationships. 6.5. Due diligence. 6.6. Consultants -- ch. 7. A winning local team. 7.1. A human resource-scare enviroment. 7.2. Characteristics of the Chinese workforce. 7.3. Find the best candidates, trust them, train them, and promote them -- ch. 8. The right corporate culture. 8.1. You cannot fake it. 8.2. Culture is especially important in China. 8.3. Invest heavily upfront. 8.4. Actively develop the culture. 8.5. Do not rush localization. 8.6. Guard against corruption. 8.7. Culture and corporate brand. 8.8. Security. 8.9. IPR protection -- ch. 9. Right business focus. 9.1. Clear business focus drives a strong corporate culture. 9.2. Market size and maturity. 9.3. Speed of change - Peter's story. 9.4. Distribution is a major bottleneck -- ch. 10. Support your frontline sales organization. 10.1. Production with or without local sales? 10.2. Establishing a sales organization. 10.3. Recruiting frontline sales people. 10.4. Training, developing, and retaining sales people. 10.5. Point-of-sales promoters. 10.6. Motivating the sales organization. 10.7. Getting paid. 10.8. Checklist for collecting payments -- ch. 11. Marketing to China. 11.1. The ear to the ground - understanding Chinese customers. 11.2. Product portfolio. 11.3. "Very cheap, very cheap"--Pricing strategies. 11.4. Why brand is so important. 11.5. PR and advertising. 11.6. Public relations. 11.7. Guanxi and marketing in China. 11.8. Branding with Chinese characters. 11.9. Brand names make a difference. 11.10. Chinese is unique. 11.11. Mainland China, Taiwan, and HK. 11.12. A few steps to successful marketing in China -- ch. 12. Successful execution demands top management attention. 12.1. Execution requires high-level, hands-on senior management attention, and follow-up. 12.2. You need to create a trusting and accepting culture. 12.3. Attaining hands-off. 12.4. Managing in downturns -- ch. 13. Dealing with head office. 13.1. Managing expectations. 13.2. Ensuring support. 13.3. Communicating and educating