This unique book stresses the importance of the Asia Pacific region in the context of international strategies of the firm. With Western interest in Asia growing, there is a need for Western firms to boost their position both in Asia and against Asian competition and also to increase their understanding of Asian firms and business cultures. The book argues that, at present, Western firms are not using their strengths to the full in the world's most dynamic region and that their weakness in both competing and cooperating with Asian firms will have a negative impact on their overall competitiveness in global markets. These companies are advised to approach their operations in Asia strategically and are encouraged to question many of their traditional Western business assumptions, thereby adopting a more regional style of management. Strategies for Asia Pacific aims to apply selected concepts and theoretical frameworks of international business strategy to the entire Asia Pacific region. It draws on the research and direct professional experience of both authors and makes reference to recent, unpublished data. The text also gives frequent examples of Western business successes or failures in the region. The book will be of interest to Western managers doing business in Asia as well as academics studying the differences between Asian and Western films, strategies and business logic. It will provide an insight to Asian executives dealing with Western partners and competitors and will also be suitable as a textbook for courses on Asia at undergraduate and MBA levels.

"This informative and comprehensive book will be of value to business practitioners and students wanting to know how Asian Pacific business networks operate."
"--Choice"

Despite the growing economic importance of the Asia Pacific region, Western firms remain underrepresented. To remedy this situation, Western firms must approach their operations in Asia strategically, by questioning many of the traditional assumptions of Western business. While Japan has been the subject of much Western scrutiny, the other nations in the region--South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, and Thailand--have been virtually overlooked.

Strategies for Asia Pacific, the culmination of two decades of research and direct professional experience, is written to provide Western companies with a hands-on approach to doing business in Asia Pacific. The authors first define the region's key characteristics, its role in the world economy, and key features of market and consumer behavior. The book then turns to an overview of the competitive market for developing business there, outlining what is required to design and manage joint-ventures. The final chapters examine the prospective pitfalls in managing Asia Pacific operations and the human resource issues associated with such operations before concluding with projections for future trends in the development of the region.