Succeeding in a Transition Economy


Book Description

How do companies survive when the basic conditions for their existence can change overnight? The question has a newly revived and essential actuality as a result of the recent world economic crisis. The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the launch of the German Economic, Monetary, and Social Union on July 1, 1990, radically changed economic conditions for more than 8,000 previously state-, municipal-, or party-owned companies in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Overnight, most East German manufacturing plants had been devalued, after having been able to survive for decades thanks to a protected market in the East. For East German companies, the monetary union meant "the introduction of a social market economy without a market," as described by Birgit Breuel, president of the world's largest holding company, the Treuhand agency. In a move without historical precedent and under considerable political pressure, Treuhand privatized 15,000 companies. Many of these companies did not survive. But for several hundred medium-sized and small businesses, the market economy provided a real upturn, and, for about one hundred companies, it opened doors to previously unimaginable opportunities. Today, several of these firms are brand or market leaders in Germany, or even globally. How did these companies succeed? For an answer, this book visits 15 of these companies in various industries and evaluates the strategies they used to survive or, more importantly, become dominant players. Succeeding in a Transition Economy examines what they did differently from the companies that failed.







The Uncertainty of Economic Success When Economic Regimes are Uncertain


Book Description

We construct a model of a reform economy in transition from central planning to free markets. The eventual success of the reform is uncertain. A numerical implementation of the model examines the implications of two alternative paths, instantaneous or gradual price reform. If the controlled-price sector has sharply decreasing returns to scale in production, then gradualism may lead to welfare higher than that of instantaneous reform. Given the inefficiencies in production in many transition economies, this may help to explain why countries that have used gradualism have sometimes fared better than those that have followed a path of rapid price liberalization.




Change Management in Transition Economies


Book Description

This book investigates the concepts and instruments for managing change in companies striving towards a market orientation in transition economies. The focus is on the identification of factors, which have led to the considerable success of certain corporations, in spite of the very dynamic environment in transition countries since 1989. The analysis considers problems and solutions for all the relevant stakeholder relationships. Although the case study is largely based on Poland, the book also contains research on the economic, political and social context of doing business in Central and Eastern Europe.




Institutional Adjustment for Economic Growth


Book Description

First published in 1998, this volume focuses on the special category of countries popularly referred to as ‘transition economies’ through an analysis of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and their role in Asian economies, with a view to assessing whether they could or should provide a model for African countries. The present volume explores the institutional peculiarities displayed by ‘transition economies’. These are economies which are undergoing a comprehensive and fundamental societal transformation with a view to creating a utopian communist society within the frame of a centrally administered economy, then a pluralistic society based on a market economy and the rule of law. Much of the debate on the economic performance of African LCD's has focused on informal sector activities or on the imperative to achieve structural adjustment. By highlighting instead the challenges facing two of the least successful among the African economies - Ethiopia and Tanzania, both of which share a socialist past - this book moves beyond the above issues. It argues that institutional adjustment is critical to the prospects for success in developing transition economies. As such the book investigates the transaction costs environment within which small-scale industrial activities are set. By drawing extensively on the Asian experience, (predominantly China and Vietnam but also India and Taiwan), it identifies sources of transaction costs by examining not only the transactional disadvantages of small-scale production, but also the past and present sources of institutional inefficiency.




Business Strategies in Transition Economies


Book Description

This is the first book to comprehensively summarize and extend cutting strategy research with a focus on transition economies. It provides a readable and refreshing overview for seasoned scholars and executives working in this field, as well as valuable insights for newcomers. The book combines theoretical rigor with up-to-date evidence on a highly relevant topic. Mike Peng is already one of the world′s leading strategy and management scholars working on transition and emerging economies, and this book adds significantly to his standing. —John Child, Guiness Professor of Management Studies, University of Cambridge, England and Visiting Professor of International Management, Tel-Aviv University, Israel "The widespread shift from centrally planned to market-based economies has been the most profound change in the world economy since World War II. While a great deal of work has examined the broad economic implications of this transition, far less work has examined its implications for firms and managers. In this seminal work, Professor Peng draws on his extensive experience in transition economics, together with his knowledge of strategic management, to describe how firms in these economies can seize opportunities for growth and success." —Jay Barney, Bank One Professor of Corporate Strategy, Ohio State University "A welcome contribution towards our understanding of firm – level issues in transition economies. A particular strength is the chapter-by-chapter consideration of how strategies vary depending on whether one is a state-owned enterprise, a privatized firm, an entrepreneurial start-up, or a foreign investor." —Paul Beamish, Royal Bank Professor of International Business,University of Western Ontario, Canada A comprehensive account of transition economies from a firm strategy perspective. Thoroughly researched and thought provoking, this book is a most valuable tool for both academics and business executives seeking to operate in this promising yet uncertain territory. —Oded Shenkar, Ford Motor Professor of Global Management, Ohio State University and Professor of International Management and Tel-Aviv University, Israel Business Strategies in Transition Economies probes into the workings of business strategies in former socialist countries in East Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the newly independent states of the former Soviet Union, which are collectively called "transition economies." It provides a rich and in-depth understanding of fundamental strategic issues confronted by domestic and foreign firms competing in these newly opened markets. Written by one of the leading scholars in the field, this timely book is comparative, interdisciplinary, and relevant. Focusing on firm-level issues confronting top executives acting as organizational strategists in transition economies, this book covers business strategies of 1.) state-owned enterprises, 2.) privatized and reformed firms, 3.) entrepreneurial start-ups, and 4.) foreign companies. Since transition economies, taken together, promise to be the world′s largest emerging markets in the 21st century, this book will be an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and managers seeking a better understanding of business challenges and opportunities in these markets.




Small Firms and Economic Development in Developed and Transition Economies


Book Description

This title was first published in 2003. Since the late 1970s there has been considerable interest in the role of small firms in economic development in general and employment generation in particular. Throughout the developed world, governments have introduced a range of measures to encourage small firm growth and development in an attempt to stimulate economic growth, generate employment and foster innovation. Though not all measures have been successful many policies have transferred to the transition economies of Central and Eastern Europe where, since 1989, small firm growth and development has achieved considerable importance in economic restructuring. Accordingly, this volume presents the leading research on the role of small firms in economic development and employment generation in both transition and developed countries. Setting itself in a wider theoretical context, the book also considers the implications for both policy and theory and suggests directions for future research.




Success in the New Economy


Book Description

The term "New Economy" is a buzzword that was originally used in the mid-1980s to highlight the transition from heavy industry to a new technology-based economy. By the mid-1990s, high-growth industries on the cutting edge of technology became the face of the New Economy. Electronics, along with the Internet, fueled this new and fast-growing age. One of the most critical features of the New Economy today is faster communication. We now live in an era of 'real time' information. We want answers NOW, not 'in a while.' In addition, your knowledge, perseverance and action in pursuit of your goal, along with some guidance, will carry you more quickly and easily to your goal. The CelebrityExperts(R) in this book have made successful journeys to their chosen goal(s), and they know what works and what doesn't in the New Economy. They are uniquely placed to help those who wish to succeed. Having made the journey themselves, they know the paths to choose and those to avoid. Allow them to guide you on the road to Success in the New Economy. The Future belongs to the competent. Get good, get better, be the BEST! Brian Tracy




Transitions at the Top


Book Description

Clear, actionable guidance toward managing a major leadership change Transitions at the Top is an insightful, informative guide to navigating a change in leadership. A smooth transition is critical to both the health of the organization and the success of the new leader, but good planning and strong strategy can help organizations come out fresher and more driven on the other side. This book provides the specific principles, guidelines, and actions that boards, C-suite executives, and HR leaders need to guarantee a successful CEO transition. Continuity is key as one leader passes the mantle to a successor, and this book spans the steps and events that take place from when the candidate accepts the offer, all the way through the point where a critical mass of followers have accepted him or her as the established leader. Coverage includes guidance on who should be engaged in the process, as well as role-specific advice for each member of the transition management team. Many books have been written to advise new incoming CEOs, but there is little guidance available for the organization as a whole. This book provides actionable advice on smoothing the transition without breaking stride. Maintain continuity during leadership transitions Strengthen focus on culture, systems, and processes Engage all influential executives in smoothing the transition Lay a foundation to help the new leader succeed The transition management team plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the organization during a time of major change. Strong strategy becomes critical when an organization is in flux, and high engagement is key. Transitions at the Top provides expert insight, clear guidance, and a solid plan for a smoother transition.




Constructing a Market Economy


Book Description

Offering a cross-comparative study of the transition regimes of the countries formerly characterized by Soviet central planning, Pomfret (economics, U. of Adelaide) argues that the imposition of the Washington consensus has been a qualified success across the board. A major theme of the work is whether economists were able to accurately predict the economic behavior and results of the transition economies and whether they were able to learn from discrepancies. His analysis of this is surprisingly positive, although the arguments for the immediate benefits of mass privatization are noted to be deficient (in hindsight for Pomfret). Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR