China CEO

China CEO presents first-hand accounts from twenty executives who have led operations for foreign companies in China. The interviews capture experiences from CEOs and top executives representing major international firms across multiple industries. The book organizes key challenges and lessons into thematic chapters covering human resources, intellectual property, negotiations, and corporate culture. Each section combines executive insights with practical frameworks for navigating China's business environment. The text grounds its analysis in real business examples and case studies spanning both successes and failures in the Chinese market. The executives' direct testimonials provide unfiltered perspectives on adapting management approaches for China. This work serves as both a practical playbook for foreign business leaders and a window into the evolving dynamics between Western corporate practices and Chinese business culture. The narratives highlight the importance of flexibility and localization while maintaining global standards.

Based on reader reviews, this book delivers practical insights through interviews with 20 CEOs and executives operating in China, though many note it's somewhat dated (published 2006). Readers appreciated: - Real examples and case studies from major companies - Direct quotes and firsthand experiences - Clear organization by business topics - Focus on cultural differences and adaptation - Practical advice for foreign executives Common criticisms: - Content feels outdated given China's rapid changes - Repetitive points across chapters - Limited perspective (mostly Western executives) - Basic cultural insights that more experienced China hands already know Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (78 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (32 ratings) Several readers noted it works better as an introduction for those new to Chinese business rather than experienced executives. One reviewer called it "a good starting point but shouldn't be your only source." Multiple readers mentioned using it as a supplementary text in international business courses.

Managing The Dragon by Jack Perkowski The experiences of an American business leader building an automotive components company in China from 1994-2008 reveal strategies for navigating Chinese business culture, regulations, and market dynamics.

Mr. China by Tim Clissold A banker's account of investing billions in Chinese ventures during the 1990s chronicles the challenges of deal-making, relationship building, and risk management in China's business environment.

The China Strategy by Edward Tse A McKinsey consultant's analysis of China's market transformation provides frameworks for foreign companies to develop business strategies in China based on case studies of both successes and failures.

One Billion Customers by James McGregor The Wall Street Journal's former China bureau chief examines lessons learned from foreign companies' attempts to capture market share in China through detailed case studies spanning three decades.

Made in China by Donald N. Sull Research into companies operating in China during the rapid growth period of the 1990s and 2000s presents frameworks for market entry, partnership development, and competitive strategy in Chinese markets.

🔸 The book draws from extensive interviews with 20 CEOs and area experts who have led the China operations of major multinational companies including: Coca-Cola, Philips, McDonald's, and Microsoft. 🔸 Co-author Juan Antonio Fernandez conducted the research while serving as a professor at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai, one of Asia's top-ranked business schools. 🔸 The CEOs interviewed reveal that Chinese employees often view job-hopping as a normal career path, with some changing jobs every 6-12 months for better opportunities or higher salaries. 🔸 Despite being published in 2006, many of the book's insights about relationship-building (guanxi) and the importance of government relations remain highly relevant to doing business in China today. 🔸 The research shows that successful China CEOs spend up to 30% of their time managing government relationships - significantly more than their counterparts in Western markets.