A case for Mattel apologizing to Chinese manufacturers
There’s been a great brouhaha in the press over Mattel’s apology to China — particularly over the allegations that Mattel apologized directly to its Chinese manufacturing partners. It’s not a surprising reaction. This supposedly “Golden” year of the Pig is turning out to be more porcine than prosperous, thanks to the slew of recalls — […]
Up in smoke: the role of tobacco in Chinese culture
As an avid nonsmoker, I was determined to have a smoke-free wedding in China. But my brother-in-law, Hao, had already bought one of the finest Chinese cigarette brands, and everyone in the family — even my mother-in-law — insisted on distributing them at the banquet. How can you ask your guests to refrain when you’re […]
“No commerce, no evil” is no more: how China’s ethical standards affect your business
There was a Chinese saying: “no commerce, no evil”. Merchants were thought to be unscrupulous, and commerce was historically considered an ignoble industry in China. This contemptuous attitude towards businessmen no longer exists in current China. Making money is given priority now. However, problems come up when this priority may be the only consideration for […]
A very red summer reading list: books on marketing and business in China
In the spirit of “summer reading list” frenzy that signals the start of the season, I’m jumping on the bandwagon. Interested in learning more about business and marketing in China? Here’s a peek into what’s on my list for this summer and beyond. 1. One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business […]
Five ways to tarnish your company’s image in China
1. Open a store at the Great Wall. We could learn a lot from Starbucks on this front. Their store in the Forbidden City has generated enough negative PR to warrant high-level government discussions on closing it for good. Why? Because the move was perceived as an imperialistic invasion into one of China’s most sacred […]
Book Review: Mr. China by Tim Clissold
Mr. China: A Memoir is a book for all of us who have ever longed to “crack” the China market and Chinese culture — and come out as the ultimate “Old China Hand”. “But in the end, it’s an illusion” states the author Tim Clissold of this pursuit. He should know — he’s gotten about […]
On managing the departure of a valued Chinese employee — Part I
Our guest article this week comes from Gary Baney, CEO of Boundless Flight. Managing Chinese hires is an important part of a corporation’s reputation and impression in China. Gary shares somes of his practical and valuable insights on this topic. Here’s Gary: ————————————————————————————————— One of the reasons many companies have hesitated to hire Chinese national […]
Get out the Ginseng and Maotai: giving gifts during Chinese New Year
Ginseng. Vitamin supplements. Top-shelf liquor. Fancy snack foods. These might be a few of the things gracing my shopping list as gifts for Chinese New Year. Ginseng a gift? You bet. Ginseng, one of many treasured remedies in Chinese medicine, is a welcome gift for more senior folks. As are any number of nutritional and […]