Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Week 7 Posts Due April 4
As the end of the semester continues to press closer, I urge all of you to make sure to keep up with your reading, and to consider beginning some of your assignments following the guidelines in the syllabus if you have time. And don't forget to get your immunizations and travel documents in order! It's been fun to read and follow your posts and see how all of you have been interacting with one another. Keep up the great work :)
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The conclusion of my book is all about the future of China and America. Both countries are competing for wealth and America is loosing a lot to China. However, China cannot be entirely blamed since it has been our own living beyond our means that has caused us to over consume. Like China, America must start making plans for the future, especially with the trade deficit. Once America has regain its holding, then the threat of China passing it in terms of wealth goes away and both countries can form a partnership. If nothing is done, China is on a course to pass America.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting Jeffrey! It seems like maybe Americans feel safe in their position as a first world country and world power, but we have definitely become lazy compared to other countries, like China in terms of economics and production.
DeleteI like that fact that your book concludes with an solution to the emerging problem of China's economy surpassing ours and taking away our economic growth. It is first key to recognize the problem, but then to follow through with action to prevent further progression of the problem.
DeleteIt is my desire that key economic decision makers in this country recognize the major economic impact that China is inflicting on our country and take action to reverse the negative effects by setting and executing a plan.
I like how you point out that people are living beyond their means here in the US which is the cause of our massive debt. China really benefits from our country's addiction of consumption.
DeleteThe last part of my book contrasted the purposes driving the author's relatives to leave their homes with those of the migrant workers. The author's relatives left their homes to develop themselves in order to be able to make a positive impact for their country. The individual aspects of these relatives was totally lost in the desire to serve the group. The migrant workers left home to develop themselves in search of fulfillment. Although still influenced by their strongly collectivist culture and the value of modesty, there is a new generation that has more of an individualistic approach to life. This has come about from their experience in the cities and factories where they have been completely on their own, and are many times unable or hesitant to build trust or lasting relationships with those around them because of the fluid and ever-changing nature of city/factory life. The book was extremely interesting to read and made connections from the past to the present as well as new insight to the culture that I was not in the least anticipating.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how far people will go in order to help their country. I wish more people would take pride in their country, but sadly, most people these days take for granted the freedom that their country gives them, (at least in America they do). I can imagine how hard it would be to start their whole lives over, however I'm grateful I have never had to go through that. I like how your book made connections from the past to the present, I would think that would be an interesting comparison to learn about. Sounds like you really enjoyed your book!
DeleteI think Americans could benefit from being a little less individualistic. While I appreciate the freedoms that an individualistic culture brings, I think the collectivist culture sometimes results in better people. At least, in my personal experience, keeping my family and loved ones in mind results in me making better decisions.
DeleteWhile reading, I learned more about China's government. China today is still sen as a communist dictatorship. I learned that China believes that other countries view them this way because they are comparing them to the former Soviet Union, even though China claims that there are many differences in China today compared to back then. China hates how they look from other countries' perspectives. They feel that the media puts a negative look on the truth. These negatives are originated from more of the Western media which includes Africa, BBC, Latin America, CNN and more. I'm actually very surprised that Fox news wasn't mentioned in the book. I also learned what the six major misconceptions are about China as follows: "we are a communist country; we live under dictatorship; ideology is important; China will collapse like the USSR; people in China are unhappy; China is only an economic power," all according to Dicretor Xia. And sadly, that's what I thought too before I read this book.
ReplyDeleteKayla, this really hits home. It seems that the media has conveyed to us a picture of China that might be completely inaccurate. I'm excited to figure out what it's really like over there and get a feel for the country. It's obvious that we can't trust you completely, but I don't think we could trust the government in China if it were a dictatorship either. There's a fine line, and I'm ready to see for myself.
DeleteDid your book specifically mention Africa and Latin America as "western media"? Because that is a little strange to me. Neither are media outlets and Africa isn't usually considered western. Of course, if they are referring to simply the origins of the negative views, then that pretty much just leaves Europe. Did your book mention how Europe and China viewed each other? I'm excited to see what China is like for myself and see if these viewpoints are misconceptions.
DeleteWow, that is very intersting that you pointed that out. I would have thought the same thing, it's very interesting how people can stereotype people and entire countries. I am mexican and it happens to me all the time, so I can relate on a personal level.
DeleteIt is easy for me to accept stereotypes and it is cool that your book points this out. In response to your comment Mr. Tan; since living here in Africa, I have seen how the Africans view Chinese. The Africans love to make fun of the Chinese and in Zambia they view them as cheap and unfriendly. Also, Zambians hold American's opinion with high regards and adopt its views.
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ReplyDeleteFrom Business Leadership in China: Contrary to popular western belief, the Chinese are innovators. However, the Chinese are not quick to speak up and be the first at innovating something. They take their time before making decisions, which often prevents them from being first in a market.
ReplyDeleteMany Chinese have the mindset that creativity could be too costly if too much capital has been invested to deviate from the original plan. Also, bureaucracy rules in China. They often make rules that don't make sense and cost companies vast amounts of money. Injustice is done, but rules are rules and that's the way it works.
Because decisions are holistic and not individual based in China, things take a while. For westerners and Chinese to get along they need to compromise somewhere in the middle. One way to help speed up the process is to have a "decision making group" which meets when no one else can decide on what to do. The group needs to reach a pre-determined consensus and move on, even if other non-members disagree the company has to move forward.
After reading about all the rules and customs of China, I was beginning to feel a little bit afraid of doing or saying something that would be considered extremely offensive. However, my book's last chapter ends with a little bit of encouragement for us Westerners. The Chinese pretty much expect us to be barbaric. America is a relatively new country compared to China, and we don't have the very old customs and philosophies that they do. However, if you do something impolite accidentally, don't be too hard on yourself. While it's not pleasant to realize that everyone in China think Americans are barbarians, it takes some of the pressure off. As long as we keep a humble attitude and are ready and willing to embrace a culture that is unfamiliar, we/ll be fine. Humility is key to avoiding becoming one of those "ugly Americans".
ReplyDelete"Your Response" is the title of the last chapter to my book, Dragons At Your Door. The majority of my book talked about China's industrial and service oriented growth and the economic threat it poses for the United States.
ReplyDeleteTo finish, the book gives the reader solutions for evading China's international business (industry) take over. It highlighted that U.S. business owners need to change their mindset's- to recognize the threat, and proactively defend against it.
How? Implement cost innovation equal to and surpassing that of the Chinese. Place business leaders in the Chinese environment- partner with successful Chinese businesses that share your industry. Continue to learn how the Chinese successfully start businesses and use them to take over the market share.
From personal experience I know that it is hard to change a mindset, but this book insists that a complete mindset change is required for U.S. businesses to be successful against the Chinese business dragons.
Jennifer, it is really interesting that your book suggested a change of mindset for business people. It seems like the author feels very threatened by Chinese business. It seems like the author is has a very heightened sense of competition in regards to the Chinese. My book was very different. The author of my book really emphasized the need for China and the US to work together in multiple areas.
DeleteThe final section of How China's Leaders think by Robert Kuhn discusses China's future and what reforming is expected to occur. Kuhn discusses the differences of the recent leaders when compared to the past four leaders. He addresses the relationship between the US and China, stating that it is "as fragile and fractious as it is vital and volatile". Kuhn talks about the need for the US and China to work together with regard to multiple areas including economics and war. He also talks about reforms not going all the way to a democratic system but one of much more freedom then any other time in China’s past.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book, Kuhn is very optimistic and positive about China, at times seeming to lean too much in the favor of the Chinese. Throughout the book the four themes that were introduced in the first chapters (pride, stability, responsibility, and vision) permeate and are used as the basis for the whole book. Other chapters regardless of the subject all point back to the four themes and really help the reader understand the Chinese people.
A very interesting point that my book emphasizes is dress. The way you enter a business meeting is extremely important. First impressions can either make it or break it for you. In the book an example is the main character "Jack" asks his friend why they got a rental car when they were in China, and the friend tells Jack that making a classy/formal entrance is the most advisable. Jack then goes on into the meeting and gets the business deal he wanted. This puts a lot into perspective for me.
ReplyDeleteSo true! All cultures, no matter how differently we dress, do have standards for attire; furthermore, we vary our standards depending on the occasion.
DeleteI think it will be important for us to research cultural attitudes towards modesty, as well as overall guidelines for dress on different occasions, before heading to China. Even though China is adopting Western practices and mindset on certain things, our cultures are too different for us to overlook these standards. It would definitely be worth the time!
Since I posted about the end of the book in my last comment, I will just give a review of 'The 36 Ancient Chinese Strategies for Modern Business."
ReplyDeleteI definitely appreciated this book! The strategies were real and applicable, which should be expected because Lan Bercu would take care to give examples of these strategies in companies we recognized. I did not gain a new knowledge of Chinese culture as it is, just the principles behind the ways of the Chinese. Of course, the book is to be applied to modern business. I expect to refer to this book often as a means of inspiring an entrepreneurial spirit within myself, or as a book of tips for certain business circumstances. Overall, it was a worthwhile read.
China has enjoyed being relatively set apart from the world economy. When the stock market fell in 2008, China was able to withstand and continue to grow. Because of this, the world views China as stable and strong. Ten years ago, China was able to dodge an enormous banking crisis. Will it be able to do it again? China's economy is focused on fixed-asset investments funded by the bank loans. How much longer can China grow at this rate? It will be interesting to see what the future holds for China. I cannot wait to see China for myself instead of just reading about it in a book.
ReplyDeleteI think China is the next economic powerhouse. Honestly, their ability to continually sustain their economy despite global economic events is proof of their power. They have so many people in their country, their own domestic market should be considered it's own global economy.
DeleteWell, having finished the book i can basically just give the overview of my book and how it impacted me. "China Entrepreneur" was practically a workbook, organized neatly with quotes and helpful hints in the blank spaces on either side of the margins. They had case-studies that were interesting every five pages or so going along with what that particular chapter was about. It was very practical - it went through business - particularly in China step by step. Some of it overlapped but that was because it was necessary. This book made it very clear to me that business man/woman in China practically needed to be a new hybrid of business person, capable of withstanding any obstacle. It comes down to your willpower/ your willingness and drive to stay in China's sphere until you are successful. It was determination, optimism, and three times as much hard work that made these entrepreneurs successful. At the end of the day, China has perfect conditions for business growth, but just as much opportunity for character building. The book was really cool and inspired me to broaden my horizons.
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool how much drive and perseverance the Chinese have. They definitely are not quitters. I could learn from them on how to work hard toward my goals, and not letting anything get me down or stop me from achieving them. China's growth and development is dependent on these types of people. If more people took the point of view in your book, a lot of people would find more success in life.
DeleteThe end of my book summed up the authors discoveries as they journeyed around China, observing the many different ethnic groups. There are the Han, which are the prominently known Chinese that make up the government, and 56 other ethnic minorities all around China. The conclusion the authors came up with was that China cannot become a prominent world leader if they ignore it's ethnic minorities. "One hundred million people is a demographic that cannot be overlooked; what happens in their border homelands will undoubtedly shape the country's future." If China wants to grow as a country, becoming a more powerful world leader, it needs to treat it's minorities well.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter starts off with the iceberg example to say that there is always a lot more under the surface that most people will not see. Then the author talks about how America is viewed as this individualistic nation and China is viewed more of a collectivist culture but that If you look at the values of those in the different societies then it may appear to tell the opposite story, however the truth may be hiding under the water. The author then goes on to state that when looking at this multidimensional business the individual is going to be one of the basic elements that needs to be looked at first because behind every large group there are a few individuals making decision. Next you have to take a look at the iceberg which the author says there author 5 layers to. Layer 1 is behavior which is above water and the thing that if we end up putting too much focus on this aspect then we may sink our metaphorical ship. Layer 2 just under the surface is skills development, skills such as using chopsticks or as difficult as making presentations. Layer 3 is knowledge, a big part being emotional knowledge since emotions affect affect large portion of decision making and and so beliefs beliefs and values. Information + emotional attachment= profound knowledge. Layer 4 is values and beliefs and understanding these are very important because when you understand these you get a self knowledge and self knowledge should come before knowledge and relationship building with others. Layer 5 is identity which some find with different roles and positions in a company or in their community. The author says the beginning of this is understanding layer 4 and rhe goes on to list 4 steps in learning about one's values and beliefs so that it can be communicated to others. Step 1 is Defining values, he says create a list of top 15 values and then and narrow them down to 5. Step 2 is building individual congruence with one's values and actions. The way that he says to do this is by taking three days and watching your activities and how you act in those different activities to compare them with your values, this is done by comparing time values to the things you do, or by choosing 3 big decisions that you made and comparing them to the values that you have. Step 3 seek values of others by having them write down what top 5 values you have and you write down what top 5 values you think they have and then compare to learn and discuss the thoughts you had of each other. Step 4 is placing all the values somewhere of the two of you and then building a list of shared values, in this both or all of the people involved will vote for the values that they find the most important and each person gets 5 votes, each person can place multiple votes on a single value.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting point that my book emphasized towards the end was the opportunities that China has to offer as far as business goes. The book really did point out that there are one billion customers and they have an environment where everything is for sale. As far as opportunities for outsiders go, there is great potential in reaping your rewards. However, it is only a matter of how you "play your cards" and can adapt your business to the Chinese business settings.
ReplyDeleteMy book practically said the same thing. It's all a matter of how equipped you are to "play your cards" out right. Hopefully your book was able to leave its readers prepared - or better prepared than before - to understand what it means to do business in China. Looking forward to your presentation!
DeleteMy book ends with a motivational chapter called "Just do it!". In it, the author practically summarizes the positive and negative aspects of taking your business to China and concluding that now is the best time to take the plunge. He says that although the book has given a lot of information, the next step to take is to actually go to China and experience it for yourself - which is perfect for me because that's exactly what I'm going to do! By the end of the book I was ready to take my non-existent business to China too. Overall, this was a great read that was very easy to relate to and understand, I'm glad I chose this book.
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