With China's accession to the WTO in Spring 2002 it is essential that Western investors and business people get an effective 'tool kit' which enables them to succeed in the highly competitive Chinese market and to deal with the issues and changes that the WTO will bring. As a guide for western investors this book gives the answer to the 100 most crucial questions on operating or restructuring business in China. The question and answer format allows the reader to select information quickly for a specific situation.

This collection presents selected papers from the Fourth Annual Global Conference on Entrepreneurial Research, held in 1994 at INSEAD, France. Covering a wide selection of themes, methodological approaches and organization types, the papers cover all aspects of current entrepreneurship theory in economics, organizational sociology, marketing, leadership and finance. Other issues discussed include gender and networking, strategies in entrepreneurial growth, job satisfaction and franchising. Case studies highlight specific examples of entrepreneurship around the world, including the reform of state-owned enterprises in China and Vietnam, regional business creation in Quebec and the Italian tannery industry.
Contributors include: Howard Aldrich, Amanda Elam Brickman, William Bygrave, Richard N. Cardozo, Paul Severn, Anne Sickels, Gilles Roy, Rita Gunther McGrath, Steven Spinelli, Benoit Leleux, S. Venkataraman, Luc Vallee.

This study examines France's determination to remain aloof and unaffected as the world economy threatens the French way of doing business. Describing the difficulty in initiating change in French organizations, the author tells of the obstacles he encountered in attempting to modernize the working practices of a Paris firm. His observations are based upon customs and habits peculiar to the French, yet they apply equally to all foreign cultures. Management methods, attitudes to the outside world, and the historic roots of the French mentality are viewed and explained anecdotally, based on the author's experience of living and working in France, and are accompanied by humorous illustrations.

This book investigates whether and why social structure influences cooperative organizational strategic decision making in an international relations context. It looks in particular at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In the context of a united Europe the influence of business knowledge has become increasingly relevant, as managers, employees and organisations have to learn new practices and techniques in response to new knowledge and institutions. This book addresses the way in which administrative knowledge is produced, diffused and consumed in Europe by academics, management gurus, publishing houses, consultants and practitioners. It also looks at its impact on European business systems and management practices.

Global Perspectives in Cross-Cultural and Cross-National Consumer Research deals with several important issues crucial for greater understanding of international and cross-cultural consumer behavior. This understanding in turn can provide international marketers with valuable insights, such as conditions under which globalization may or may not work. The coverage in this book is interdisciplinary in nature, and the chapters discuss several constructs (intermediary variables, processes, and also other environmental influences) related to social, personal, and psychological components or consequences of culture.The book begins with a conceptual model of the effect of culture on consumer behavior, with the components and consequences of the cultural influences clearly identified in terms of social, personal, and psychological factors. The following chapters discuss general issues related to globalization and standardization, present conceptual approaches to propositions relating to multicultural contexts, and address consumer complaining behavior and responses to advertising. There are five chapters on empirical and methodological studies conducted in specific pairs of countries, with data obtained from Canada, Denmark, Japan, Germany, Poland, Romania, and the United States. In presenting readers with new information, Global Perspectives in Cross-Cultural and Cross-National Consumer Research spans these specific topics: the nature of cultural influence on consumer behavior globalization versus customization of international marketing strategy individualism versus collectivism right versus left symbolism product involvement consumer response to information technology interdependent versus independent culturesThe contributors are well-known scholars in the international/cross-cultural marketing field; their chapters present state-of-the-art developments in this area. The coverage of the material is interdisciplinary in nature and is likely to benefit a broad audience, especially academic researchers in international or cross-cultural consumer research and librarians of research-oriented schools, universities, or organizations.

Georges Enderle proposes a radically new understanding of corporate responsibility in the global and pluralistic context. This book introduces a framework that integrates the ideas of wealth creation and human rights, which is illustrated by multiple corporate examples, and provides a sharp critique of the maximizing shareholder value ideology. By defining the purpose of business enterprises as creating wealth in a comprehensive sense, encompassing natural, economic, human and social capital while respecting human rights, Enderle draws attention to the fundamental importance of public wealth, without which private wealth cannot be created. This framework further identifies the limitations of the market institution and self-regarding motivations by demonstrating that the creation of public wealth requires collective actors and other-regarding motivations. In line with the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, this book provides clear ethical guidance for businesses around the world and a strong voice against human right violations, especially in repressive and authoritarian regimes and populist and discriminatory environments.

This comprehensive handbook offers a state-of-the-art guide to new frontiers of African entrepreneurship. Written from a Pan-African perspective by a cast of international authors, the book addresses the rapid modernisation and evolution of African entrepreneurship and business practices. It maps new developments in entrepreneurial ecosystems, technology and digital entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship in conflict zones, and gender and diversity issues. It proposes new models for entrepreneurial financing and explores the contrast between entrepreneurship in high-technology urban centers with peripheral rural districts and conflict zones. Bringing together empirical insights and case studies from countries across Africa, the Handbook illuminates regional and contextual differences and shares theoretical and practical insights which inform policy and practice. It is an ideal guide for researchers and students working on international business, entrepreneurship and emerging economies. It will also inform policymakers in developing context-informed entrepreneurial policies and initiatives in Africa.

This book provides a new source of data and analysis on the role of multinational companies in U.S. international trade over the past two decades. Developed from benchmark surveys of foreign direct investment conducted by the U.S. Government, it contains 96 tables and companion analyses covering affiliate trade, intrafirm trade, bilateral trade, ultimate beneficial owners, commodity (SITC) trade, and affiliate industry groups. The book is intended for researchers and analysts in international business, international trade, and international finance.

This book provides a new source of data and analysis on the role of multinational companies in U.S. international trade over the past two decades. Developed from benchmark surveys of foreign direct investment conducted by the U.S. Government, it contains 96 tables showing MNC-related trade for 1975, 1982, and 1989. Tables and analysis cover affiliate related trade, intrafirm related trade, bilateral trade with major trading partners, the role of ultimate beneficial owners, commodity (SITC) trade, and trade by affiliate industry groups. The data and analyses in the book will be equally useful to academic researchers and policy analysts in the fields of international business, international trade, and international finance.

From something as simple as finding a distributor to as complex as founding an overseas operation. Here's a 'meat and potatoes' guide to entering and excelling in the international business arena. Combining theory, practice, and insider savvy, 'Business Abroad' shows you how to successfully take your company global and expand and improve your current global activities.
You'll find a straightforward plan of action for starting and conducting overseas business. This clear, succinct road map helps you effectively conduct key international business transactions. Mistakes in any of these areas could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, so there's specific help with:
* Exporting/importing * Distribution * Joint ventures * Licensing * Franchising * Technology transfer * and more...
Going international is not an easy decision, but this valuable guidebook makes it a simpler and more profitable one.

The book develops the idea that a shift in the techno-economic paradigm creates opportunities for the rise of new firms, industries and countries to technological leadership, making the adoption of an adequate national system of innovation fundamental to success in such changes. This task is supported by a case study of how the Japanese System of Innovation has responded to the advanced materials revolution of the last two decades as well as diffusion of the information technology paradigm.

As the international economy globalises, there is a need for national infrastructure systems to adapt to form a global infrastructure system. This network of networks aids mobility between national systems as a means of supporting their territorial needs and preferences. This reflects a strategic approach to state infrastructuring as nations seek to utilise these physical systems to support and enhance their territoriality. Providing a thorough examination through the lens of economic infrastructure, the book addresses the forces of integration and fragmentation in global networks. This book explores the trend towards the development of regional infrastructure systems within the context of territorial strategy. Regional systems emerge out of states seeking to position themselves within the international system. Colin Turner identifies the diverse processes that are driving regional infrastructures, as well as examining the formal and informal patterns of integration that are shaping developments. This book is ideal for international political economy and regional development scholars who seek an advanced understanding of current regional infrastructure systems. It will also serve as a vital tool for practitioners who need to understand the implications for policy-making.

International and cross-cultural management has received very little critical attention to date. This book draws upon specific ideas from postcolonial theory to present a critique of these related academic fields. The authors argue that these management disciplines are Western discourses that exhibit historical as well as contemporary resonances with the vicissitudes of what might be broadly be called 'the colonial project'. The book explores alternative and perhaps more politically and morally constructive approaches to the question of the 'other' in late global capitalism.

The Japanese management style is unique compared with those in the U.S. and Europe as is the overseas operation for Japanese companies. This book demonstrates the three essences for successful overseas operations that global enterprises as well as Japanese companies possess.

As challenges to the era of globalisation emerge, international business grows in importance and complexity as a field of study. This shortform textbook introduces learners to the frameworks within which international business occurs and to the range of actions that companies might undertake in these environments. Owing to an emphasis on cross-border interactions, international business is a politicised field, and this book provides readers with the tools to deepen their understanding not only of the actions that companies might take but also of the economic, societal, cultural and political frameworks affecting how decisions are made. With a refreshing realism in its approach, this book will be perfect brief reading for students required to understand the obstacles that global business practitioners must overcome to succeed.

With the political and social changes taking place in Eastern Europe combined with the changes in Western European markets and Japanese global marketing strategies, American corporations now can utilize information technology as the ultimate weapon in reshaping/expanding their global marketing strategies. Today, global information technology is not just a set of tools for computing, but rather is viewed as a strategic tool to bring organizations growth and prosperity. The Global Issues of Information Technology Management is the right source for discovering untapped potential of your information technology. It is a global tool for the growth and prosperity of your organization.

The recognised success of the post-war Japanese economy has rested on the qualities of its manufacturing industries. This book explores the origins, rationale, and consequences of this transformation. Using theoretical insights and detailed evidence, it reviews the rise of the Japanese economy and the nature, causes, and changing objectives of vertical and horizontal integration; ownership, control, financing and bank-industry relations; and the major operational functions of production, human resources, distribution and marketing.

Investigating the nature, drivers and sources of innovation in Africa, this book examines the channels for effective diffusion of innovation in and to Africa under institutional, resource and affordability constraints. Fu draws on almost a decade of research on innovation in Africa to explore these issues and unpack the process, combining a rigorous statistical analysis of a purposely designed multi-wave, multi-country survey with in-depth studies of representative cases. Building on this research, Fu argues that African firms are innovative but unsupported. Those 'under-the-radar' innovations that widely exist in Africa as a result of the constraints are not sufficient to enable Africa to leapfrog the innovation gap in the era of the fourth Industrial Revolution. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the creation and diffusion of innovation in low income countries. It also provides the first survey-based analysis of innovation in the informal economy.

Human Resource Management (HRM) plays an important and strategic role in the success of international joint ventures. Based on information collected from progressive, successful international joint ventures involving companies such as Chrysler, Ciba-Geigy, Corning, Mitsubishi, and Siemens, the author delivers chapters rich in verbatim quotations from executives and other joint venture employees. Each chapter concludes with a summary of key points that are a guide for attaining excellence in joint ventures. The book will be of special interest to both managers and scholars who seek a fuller view of HRM in international joint ventures.

Evaluating effective joint ventures, the author considers the subtle people dimensions involved in these operations. A special feature of the book is the treatment of human resource management from the interorganizational viewpoint of parent corporations and the joint venture firm. The author addresses such interesting issues as (1) how parent strategic goals influence HRM in the venture, (2) the importance of HRM operational assignments within the JV management contract, (3) the strengths and limitations of various HRM policies and practices, (4) the role of culture, and (5) organizational learning at strategic and operational levels in each venture. Valuable knowledge into best practices for strategic HRM allows practitioners to enhance their joint venture success.

In most countries the economic structure and financial landscape are dominated by corporations. A critical examination of the various facets of the corporate economy is thus vitally important. In "Mangerial Finance in the Corporate Economy" the authors employ a dynamic theoretical apparatus and empirical evaluations to present such a study.
The book, divided into five sections, brings together new research on major issues such as mutual and pension funds and portfolio diversification; market volatility, credit availability; tax structure and dividend reinvestment plans; financial institutions; and corporate behavior in the context of the international economy. "Managerial Finance in the Corporate Economy" presents a comprehensive analysis of corporate culture within the international economy.

The idea for this book was formed during the early 1980s when the author was studying the impact of plant closings on displaced workers and communities. In one community, workers who were displaced by a plant closing expected to receive retraining funds through the Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA), only to find that the state had committed all the JTPA funds to train new workers for a Japanese transplant. Soon it became apparent that deindustrialization, job loss, and economically depressed communities were linked with the escalating interstate competition to provide multi-million dollar incentive packages for businesses to settle in their state. When Japanese automobile companies considered coming to the United States, they fueled the interstate competition for these large projects, which promised thousands of jobs and economic growth.

Contemporary businesses are exposed to global competition enhanced by new information technology and liberalized cross-border transactions in many industries. This introduces a new competitive dynamic, influenced by actors in developed and emerging markets. The dynamic puts major demands on executives as they consider future moves that support strategic initiatives. The context of intensified global competition requires attention from practicing (and aspiring) leaders in international business organizations. Drawing on contemporary research, Competitive International Strategy: Key Implementation Issues addresses international business strategy formulation and implementation in the global competitive market. It captures the essential strategy components by elaborating on the implementation of corporate integration and local responsiveness. This is considered a vital dichotomy in the development of international business strategies. Essential components include competition context, firm's resources, strategy directions and competence, implementation issues, and competitiveness. The book includes several detailed company cases. Bridging the strategy formulation and implementation is crucial for the ultimate success of international business firms. This book will be of great value to students at an advanced level, academics, and reflective practitioners in the fields of strategic management, leadership, and international business.