Thursday, February 3, 2011
Week 1 posts due Feb. 4
In order to make the posting easier and keep them in order, I will set up a weekly post section on Monday of each week. All you need to do is just click the comment button and add your post from your reading. Since this is the first week, and I imagine you're all rushing to come up with something to add or may have even completely forgotten to get your book from the library, why don't you just start by sharing the title and general topic of your different books. That way, we can work out any of the "kinks" in the whole process and then be prepared to make some more thorough posts next week. I'll add instructions for comments to next week's posting section on Monday. Good luck to all of you, and thanks Jessica, for reminding me to set it up. The initial comment is a sample to give you all an idea of what you can add in the future. Note! If you do not have a google account, you will need to set up a gmail account to post on the blog, but you can delete it after the course if you wish.
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Week 1 Post/Thomas Trefz: Part of my reading this week discussed the passiveness emphasized by Eastern religions and how this differs sharply from what the text termed as the "action-oriented" thinking of my own Western culture. The text explained how Buddhism, for instance, sees suffering as illusory and therefore requires its followers to accept rather than resist suffering as a part of life. While I can understand some of the validity behind such a world view, I also feel that a person should take a stand for his/her self when necessary and not just take whatever lot life hands out. I think it may be difficult for me to understand this aspect of Chinese/Eastern culture, but I hope I can still connect with the people I meet while I am there and better appreciate where they may be coming from.
ReplyDeleteWeek 1 post:Jared Roeder: My book is titled "China in the World Economy". It is about the growth of chinas economy over the past 30 years from the view of 15 of China's leading scholars in the form of essays. In the first chapter, the book describes how China has gone up in the worlds rankings of GDP per capita steadily almost every year.
ReplyDeleteWeek 1 Post :: Vanessa Lézeau ::
ReplyDeleteI am reading “An American’s Guide to Doing Business in China” by Mike Saxon. This book discusses the general benefits and problems that people face when they choose to do business in China. It specifically deals with negotiating contracts and agreements, understanding culture and customs, and marketing products and services.
The first chapter introduced China as a whole – the good and bad things about it. The author explained that there are many benefits to doing business in China, such as: a friendly government, cheap labor, low taxes, a growing infrastructure, and higher literacy – to name a few. But he also mentioned some problems that I hadn’t thought of: health issues, miscommunication about hidden costs, inexperienced workers, and different ethics. Of course many other things were discussed, but I found these general points interesting.
I think it is very important for businesses to be aware of what China is really like, so that they’ll be able to handle the various issues that they may face. Just by reading the first two chapters of the book, I learned so many things I had never thought of before. For a business to succeed, it needs to be led by people who know about every aspect of Chinese business and culture.
My book is called "Invisible China: A Journey through Ethnic Borderlands". It is about the authors, Colin Legerton and Jacob Rawson and their journey all over China. They visited with farmers, fished with fishermen, spoke to monks in their monasteries, went to mass, and so much more! While on their trip they were uncovering surprising facts of Chinas hidden minorities, and the inconsistent government policies. I'm looking forward to reading their travelogue and learning more about the culture of the people and what it's like to live in China as a minority.
ReplyDeleteTom: I agree with what you said about people standing up for themselves. It's hard to imagine a world where you would just have to accept being mistreated or dealt with unjustly. I'll have to get used to this about China too.
ReplyDeleteThe book I am reading is "China Now" by N. Mark Lam and John L. Graham. In this book they discuss about the necessary background that can provide a relationship between American and Chinese commerce, the differences in negotiation styles between Americans and Chinese, and the difference across regions in China in negotiation behaviors and business system.
ReplyDeleteThe first chapter the authors introduce a business case in which deal with the first opportunity for Americans car company, GM or Ford, to do business with the largest Chinese automakers, Shanghai Auto. Both Americans car companies were competing against each other to get a joint venture with Shanghai Auto. The competition between Ford and GM show what strategic plan each company did to attract the Shanghai Auto company. GM won the race, because they understood that for Chinese face-to-face meetings and relationships are essential for negotiations. GM had advantage over Ford in the communication department, because they had native Chinese working for the company.
To be able to succeed in the international business world we need to recognize that we need to understand the other party’s culture, interact, form relationships (connections) with others, and have good communication skills.
I'm reading a book called "the Chinese tao of business". First off I didn't know what Tao meant, but within the first chapter I learned that "tao" means "the way". I feel like this book is going to take me on some awesome spiritual journey on how to become a successful business man in china. I just have to learn how to accept their ways and learn their strategies. Exciting
ReplyDeleteJared: China's GDP is rising consistently, even during the recession that hit america. they are deffinatly going in the right direction, you inspire me Jared
ReplyDeleteTom: It is true what you said, but we have to remember that their view about things are completely different from the western views. But in their mind they might not necessarily see it as a requirement, but more like how normal life is or even natural and that's why they do not see the need to stand for him/her self.
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ReplyDeleteWeek 1 post, Shanshan Zhang:
ReplyDeleteMy awesome book name is 'FACTORY GIRLS’. Generally, the writer, Leslie T. Chang talks the story of the factory workers through the lives of two young girls. Also, Chang talks about the story of her own family’s migrations, in China and to the West. The largest migration in human history is Chinese because China has 130 million migrant workers. Also, migration was an accidental consequence of economic reforms.
I got really surprised about how bad the customs and the environment of factory were. It was popular for countryside people to be migrant workers. In the first chapter, it tells a story about a girl, Min, who was only sixteen years old. She became a migrant worker because her family conditions were not good. She changed many jobs in the first year. After all the hard time that she had went through, she got a better job because a manager liked her handwriting. The factory girls worked thirteen hours every day. They only got around 50 dollars per month. However, Min got about 80 dollars per month. “God is still fair,” she said. “He let me be so tired for a year, but now he lets me have a new beginning.”
Dear Diana Lee:
ReplyDeleteafter you introduced the first chapter of “China Now”, it makes me want to go read “China Now”, This is a good business strategy learning. Also, I learned that to make a successful business, it is necessary to know the country culture which you are doing business with.
Diana: i am agree with you. To have a good communitation skill is important because it helps to create a good relationship between you and others which means learn more laguages will give us a competitive advantages.
ReplyDeleteWeek 1 post, Kevin Tang:
ReplyDeleteI am reading "China Business Culture Strategies for Success" by Yuan Wang; Xin Sheng Zhang; and Rob Goodfellow. This book tells the China Business Culture: Strategies for Success. It helps the Western businesspeople or managers who wish to enter and succeed in the Chinese market to understand the Chinese managerial style, the significance of business networks, the best way to co-operate with various departments of the Chinese commerce, Chinese consumer psychology and the most effective way of promoting goods, and services in the 'world's largest market'.
The first chapter introduced the China's international trade history. The most famous trade in the earlier was The Silk Road which established commercial links across half the golbe. When Qing government became self-satisfied with the archaic economy, and they closed the door to the foreign countries; as a result, the economy directly droped. The number of opium addicts rapidly increased. This made Qing Government to be control by British. In the early 20th century, The 'Cold War' limited intercourse with the rest of the world, and during the Cultural Revolution, controlled by the government, China fell well behind in industry because the private business regarded as one of the 'devils' of capitalism.
Paramount Leader Deng Xiao Ping initiated The Open Door Policy which helped the China's economy rapidly. More and more foreign investment came in and helped the GDP growed fast. In 1999 the output of many agriculture and industry products was amongst the highest in the world. This means China's GDP should be improving outstandingly. However China's possesses 26 percent of the world's population that is the main reason why international business want to come in the Chinese market.
China entry into the World Trade Organisation in the early twenty-first century which bring opportunities to both foreign and domestic. This will helps China become one of the biggest internation business countries in the future.
I think it is important to know the China's international trade history. self-seclusion is a bad plan for any countries to improve the economy; however, Open Door policy shows that China becomes a fast-growing economic country in the world. Joining the WTO make China lower tariffs, ban trade-blockade policies on both exports and imports, and open new markets among fellow WTO members in the Chinese market. New foreign companies are able to compete equally in the Chinese market and win positive business benfits by fair competitive advantages. Therefore, I think China is a nice place to start a business, so i will go back to my country to work in the future.
The title of the book is “1000 days in Shanghai”. It is written by Martin Posth who is a a former member of the executive management board of Volkswagen AG and Audi AG. Today he serves as a member of the board of directors of various leading international companies and committees in Europe and Asia.
ReplyDeleteThe book is written about the story of Volkswagen which is the first Chinese-German Car Factory. In chapter one at the very front sections, the author talks about the first sight when he saw the location of the factory. The condition of the factory was very poor back to the 70s in China. “The windows were drafty; a sandy, dirt track dissected the factory site, and the inside of the building was just as wet and cold as outside” are description of the factory, and Martin could not believe that under these kinds of conditions could build a single car. As I continue reading, I got surprised by history behind the deal. Chinese machine building minister was not going to chose Volkswagen. However they went to see Mercedes, but they got attracted by bunch of Volkswagen products. After visiting Volkswagen, Chinese machine building minster decided to corporate with them because Chinese got impressed with their quality, thoroughness, and hands on approach. Volkswagen’s director showed a huge desire to start this business. I would like to say sometime a great deal of business starts with a little thing. You have to keep doing it until the time comes, and you get the deal.
Week 1: The book that I will be reading is titled, China Dawn, The Story of a Technology and Business Revolution. After reading a few pages into the book I can see that this book is about a businessman, Bo Feng, who does business between China and the United States. In the preface it gives an analogy of Bo Feng's job to that of him surfing and navigating the ocean. It talks about how he must be able to navigate the waters and also somethings you fall, some even drown. From the brief reading I can tell this will emphasis the revolution of business in China and between China and the United States.
ReplyDelete"Dragons at your Door" is the title of the book that i am reading. After reading the introduction i am really excited about the content. The focus of the book is the emergence of huge chineese multi-national corporations that have taken the world market by storm. The authors pointed out that once China was know for producing cheap goods for cheap, But now China is a global leader in innovative cost cutting solutions. This is a very scary reality for western companies that have grown complacent and stopped growing. So the premise of the book is how western companies can compete in the new age ushered in by the large Chinese multinationals.
ReplyDeleteThe First Week: The book I chose to read is entitled "China Streetsmart." The author, John Chan, is a seemingly experienced businessman who has had key roles in the internationalization of several multibillion dollar companies. His primary experience has evidently been with the Chinese market. Chan seems to take a very different approach to the concept of business. He starts off by saying the objective in his book is gain "a framework for how your particular business objectives may be accomplished... through real life examples." So far Chan seems to have a very interesting and unique approach to China's market. One startling thing he said was, "There is no such thing as a China Expert, only people with varying degrees of ignorance ..." I assume he will develop this idea more throughout the book, but it struck me as interesting because he isn't trying to show the reader how to be an expert in Chinese business. He is showing him/her how to effectively maneuver the theoretical streets of China's business market to best get what he/she wants.
ReplyDeleteWeek 1 post: The book that I am starting to read is called Chinamerica and I'm honestly kind of interested to be reading it. It basically takes a look at the closely intertwined relationship that China has with America and what that relationship entails. According to the introduction, the book takes a look at what China has done to become such a major industrial power and how America can and should use many of the same techniques in order to grow in our own economy. It should be a good read and an excellent precursor to our trip.
ReplyDeleteThe title of the book I'll be reading is "China's Rise and the Balance of Influence in Asia" by Keller and Rawski. Their main thesis is that China's growth has negatively affected the U.S.'s power in Asia. And the U.S. has neglected to take notice of this trend. Basically the authors seem to be very concerned that this change in the balance will negatively affect the U.S.'s ability to get everything the U.S. wants.
ReplyDeleteI guess in a world where national boundaries still exist and the interests of the people within those boundaries are of the utmost importance, this would be a reasonable thesis. But I think I'll find it very difficult to agree. As a christian, with a philosophy of selflessness, I can't seem to find my country's continued ambitions of global domination very relevant.
Drew: your book sounds cool and like its at least coming from an interesting angle. I think its much easier to read a book that is filled more so with real examples and stuff that's actually happened as opposed to just reading lists and theories. But most of all I like that he said you can't be a china expert, because I feel like there's so much going on there that it would be impossible to, and also it makes me feel better knowing that at this point.. I'm pretty clueless about the place myself.
ReplyDeletethe book that i chose is call Rural china takes off. in the first chapter it goes in to detail about what the rest of the book is going to be going over. it talks about china way of life back in the 1980s and how they were not that industrialized things that have changed over the years. this book should be just a wonderful read im looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteBrandon. im excited to read each week about your spiritual journey. and i hope you see Tao.
ReplyDelete@ Stefan: I totally agree what you said. I believe the world needs more communications and understanding instead of one over the others. China's rise will only brings benefit to the world, but not to affect any other countries
ReplyDeleteMy book, China Entrepreneur: Voices of Experience from 40 Business Pioneers, is not in the McKee Library and hopefully it will arrive soon, as I have ordered it. For my post, I would like to discuss the article I read from Business Pundit.
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot about the Chinese business culture through this article. It discussed the "7 Deadly Perceptions About Doing Business with China" as explained by Janet Carmosky. One thing I found really beneficial to know about their business culture is that they relationship orientated. This means they like to get to know you and develop a relationship with you before committing themselves in a transaction with you. Where as, here in America we have no desire to develop that relationship, but instead we want to get the contract done as effectively and efficiently as possible. The author coined the phrase "We know where you live" Capitalism to describe their relationship orientated style of doing business. This is due in part because they like to become more acquainted with each other than just the contract.
Also, I found it interesting to note that their way of doing business doesn't focus on strict contracts. As Americans, we like strict contracts that aren't broken or altered. On the other hand, the Chinese like the mutual respect of being able to continually negotiate a contract after it has already been agreed upon.
Week 1 post: My book is entitled Leadership and Management in China. The beging of the book spends a long time explaining the different takes on philosophy and religion, Confucianism and Daoism are the prominent religions it discuses and their effects on management processes and the Chinese view on leadership. The author spent a while talking about human goodness vs badness and that what set leaders apart from the common man was his amount of goodness. This was from the work of Xunzi he claims that all men are born equal but the ones who learn to have more goodness in them excel and become leaders. The Chinese culture puts importance on community and honor so people in leadership postions are expected to be good.
ReplyDeleteThis book is going to be interesting I am excited to see Chinese management in action and see if what this book says is a reality in China today,
Brandon Yes that is exciting, I think your eyes will be opened to new horizons and a glorios new path awaits. Im sure you will find your own Tao soon.
ReplyDeleteWeek 1 post: My book is entitled Competiton, Strategy and Management in China. The begining of my book shows different tables and charts of the structure of China's economy, and how they are they produce a lot of the worlds goods. It gets into the increase of competitive pressure in all industries and firms, and what promotes or impedess the creation of a competitive advantage in an industry. Simple things as.
ReplyDelete1.Factor conditions - Need skilled labors to compete in a given industry.
2. Demand conditions - Demand for the industry's products or services.
3. Related and supporting industries - Make some internationally competitive business's.
4.Firm strategy, structure, and rivarly - The condition in the nation governing how companies are created, organized, and managed, and the nature of domestic rivalry'.
@ Michael Daily - I find that very interesting that "goodness" is just as important as actually having the skill or knowledge to hold a leadership position. Their culture is very different from ours, and it will be interesting learning about it.
ReplyDeleteWeek1: The name of my book is, "The Changing Face Of Management In China". This book looks at different problems managers in China face today. The book contains lots of case studies so it will be interesting to see real life examples
ReplyDelete@kyle,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that their relations are so different from ours. THe one thing that stood out to me when reading your summation was that Americans just like to get the transaction over with, and not really develop a relatonship, which is so true.
Week 2: I got my book changed to "The Everyday Impact of Economic Reform in China". From reading the first section, the book is going to be looking into Chinas Management by looking into the economic reforms in human resource management and employee relations and to look at how these changes effect the everyday life of the people in China.
ReplyDeleteThe first chapter talks about how the reform in China began. It started in 1978 when the Central Party Committee changed policies in China from continuation of class struggle to socialist economic construction.
I think it will be interesting to be reading about how the reform has shaped everyday life in china rather then just reading about the reform its self.
@kyle, I think it is cool that you did your post on an article rater then a book. I found it interesting that the business culture there is relationship oriented. It would be completely different from Americas culture and it will be fun to get over there and experience that first hand
ReplyDeleteWeek 1: Chinese Business, Landscapes and Strategies. The first few chapters of this book gives a background of Chinese cultures and traditions. The understanding of how business is conducted in China is based on and around their culture and traditions. The hardships and trials that the country has overcome and the many dynasty's the country has seen has shaped the economy of who China is today.
ReplyDeleteI finally found a book! After going to the library not finding any of the books that were on the list because they were either checked out or not available I decided to venture off on my own and went to barns and noble and found a suitable book. My book title is called "Poorly Made in China" It is about an insiders account of the tactics behind Chinas production game.
ReplyDeleteThe name of my book is titled: "Myths About Doing Buisness in China" by Harold Chee with Chris West. In the introduction the book mentions how China has always been a land of myth, mystery and exaggeration for the West. It also mentions Marco Polo and his tales that he told once he went back to Venice after being in China for years.
ReplyDeleteThe introduction of the book tells the reader that we must learn how China really operates in order to be successful within its borders. There has been a vast of buisness that have tried to start up a new idea but have failed because they believe all the myths that they were told instead of finding out the real truth for themselves. This book is suppose to help individuals that are interested in starting up a business in China and don't have all the details just yet.
Jaredr,
ReplyDeleteYour book does sound like its going to be interesting. I had no idea that the reform in China began in 1978 when the Central Party Committee changed the policies in China. I will look forward to your future blogs!
@ Bobby:
ReplyDeleteSounds like that will be an interesting one to follow. Maybe it will be good for western companies to have some competition and be forced into growing. I think that the worst thing a company can do is get complacent. It will interesting to see if the book points out ways that western companies can continue to hold the edge.
My book is called "The China Boom and its Discontents." I had to choose a different book than what was originally assigned to me on the list because someone else decided to switch and took my book. But this one looks good, it's about how China has grown so incredibly fast over the last 25 years and is now experiencing some slight problems as a result of that. It discusses the financial, social and domestic policy challenges that have arisen.
ReplyDeleteMy book is called China CEO. It is a book of advice from international business leaders that have succeeded in China. The book caters to new managers looking to meet the China market’s demands.
ReplyDelete@haslelt
ReplyDeleteThat's acually a book I wanted to read. It seems like its going to give really sound advice. Because China is such a "must win" in the market place, your book is very relevant.
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