By Ron Cune

Many Western Managers have difficulties with the low pro-activity level of their Chinese co-workers. The ‘lack of initiative’ frustrates them. This passive attitude is not related to motivation, it roots in the Chinese educational system.

Western education is focused on values like independence and creativity. Exchanging ideas and discussing advantages and disadvantages of certain solutions are important parts of our education system(s). Taking initiative and asking questions are encouraged.

The Chinese educational system is based on centuries-old traditions which still have an impact on today’s society. Facts are more important than questions. Questioning facts is seen as questioning the masters’ knowledge. A discussion of any sort between pupil and teacher is not-done. 
The level of perfectionism is measured by the accurateness of ‘imitating’ the master.
Read the rest of “Personal Coach or Chief in Command?” or post a comment

Every day, more organizations are eagerly embracing the concept of offshore outsourcing to lower costs, increase efficiency and productivity, and enable employees to focus on the innovative, core endeavors that drive business forward.

IT departments have been early adaptors of outsourcing projects and services. Now manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), original design manufacturers…

Read the rest of “The Hidden Costs of Outsourcing: Beware and Be Wise”or post a comment >>

By Brian Fenerty

Building a talent pipeline is not easy in China and you will need all the help you can get.

Those who get to know you or to know about you through a third party grant you a higher level of confidence, credibility and loyalty. According to Dr. Robert Cialdini in his amazing book; Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, this is social proof in action.

This is precisely why the proper care of candidates is so important to your recruiting efforts. China is currently a high-volume type of place. Many of the recruiting systems in place here are based on the more-is-more philosophy. If you are not finding the candidates you need, get more! The problem with this approach is that it is often implemented at the expense of quality and in a candidate short market like this every candidate counts. Read the rest of “Competing for Candidates in China” or post a comment

By Kyle Long

J.P. Morgan’s recent decision to hire Elaine La Roche as its China vice-chairman may have not been a difficult one, given her qualifications as a former chief executive of China International Capital Corporation.

Leading the large, successful, foreign-owned investment banking business left no shadow of a doubt on her capabilities, with many public decisions and achievements made through her run.

But what about companies looking to hire candidates without such an extensive and verifiable paper trail of credentials? Read the rest of “Hiring From the Unknown” or post a comment

By Frank Mulligan

When a company sets up operations in China they appear to be faced with two distinct choices: ‘going local’, or imposing the dominant business culture of their organization.

It’s not an easy choice, and there are no clear cut answers as to which route will bring you the best results. In the absence of a definite conclusion it can become a battle of wills to see which culture will win.

Choose the local culture and you will be in a position to motivate local staff more effectively, but much of the operations of the business will become opaque to non-locals. Things will get done but not necessarily the way the Headquarters wants them to. What you gain in effectiveness, as defined locally, you lose in visibility. Read the rest of “Think Global, But …” or post a comment