Book Description

About two hundred years ago, largely as a result of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations, free trade achieved an intellectual status unrivaled by any other doctrine in the field of economics. What accounts for the success of free trade against then prevailing mercantilist doctrines? And how well has free trade withstood various theoretical attacks that have challenged it since Adam Smith's time? In this readable intellectual history, Douglas Irwin explains how the idea of free trade has endured against the tide of the abundant criticisms that have been leveled against it from the ancient world and Adam Smith's day to the present. An accessible, nontechnical look at one of the most important concepts in the field of economics, Against the Tide will allow the reader to put the ever new guises of protectionist thinking into the context of the past and discover why the idea of free trade has so successfully prevailed over time.

Irwin traces the origins of the free trade doctrine from premercantilist times up to Adam Smith and the classical economists. In lucid and careful terms he shows how Smith's compelling arguments in favor of free trade overthrew mercantilist views that domestic industries should be protected from import competition. Once a presumption about the economic benefits of free trade was established, various objections to free trade arose in the form of major arguments for protectionism, such as those relating to the terms of trade, infant industries, increasing returns, wage distortions, income distribution, unemployment, and strategic trade policy. Discussing the contentious historical controversies surrounding each of these arguments, Irwin reveals the serious analytical and practical weaknesses of each, and in the process shows why free trade remains among the most durable and robust propositions that economics has to offer for the conduct of economic policy. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great book - shoddy reviewers
Fantastic analysis of international free trade and the coming of age of economic globalization. Irwin is a diamond in the rough when it comes to economic author. He writes in such a way that is fairly easy to understand, all the while not comprimising the quality of the material. Granted, any previous knowledge of Economics is obviously beneficial to the reader, but in no way an absolute must.

Second, Mr. Preston Enright above seems to oppose corporate subsidies and welfare. Well, Mr Enright, so do the most staunch defenders of free-trade and capitalism: libertarians. I would not so much call myself a Libertarian but, like yourself, am also ardently opposed to corporate welfare, as it places an unwarranted burden on taxpayers and forces them to involuntarily support a cause, whereas they should only support the firm with their purchases from that corporation. Corporate welfare is, indeed, a rotten policy enacted but liberals and conservatives alike that, just as other forms of subsidies and welfare, create an unhealthy and unwarranted dependency on Washington (or wherever the largesse may originate), artificially lower prices, discourages innovation and efficiency, and ultimately harms the taxpayer and the consumer. Preston Enright is correct that this type of 'free trade' (not free to the mass of those who should benefit: the consumer) is only beneficial to the management and executives. Although, I'm guessing by his scattered and fiery writing style that he would be opposed to the free market, welfare or no welfare.

An informed discussion of free trade
Economics is one of those subjects on which everyone has an opinion but few have much knowledge. Free trade, in particular, suffers from this opinion/knowledge gap. Reviewer Enright provides a good demonstration of this affliction. Had he taken the time to read the entire book, rather than just skimming the last few pages looking for some commentary on the politicization of free trade, Enright might have learned something about the benefits of free trade.

Irwin's text provides an excellent overview of how economic thinking has over the years come to accept and promote free trade. Unfortunately, today's free trade debate is typically not framed by such informed discussion, but rather is shaped by the protectionist rantings of critics like Enright.

free trade is a myth
Free trade is great when you're rich and powerful enough to ram it down the throat of other nations. The multinationals, who benefit from massive subsidies (aeronautics, computers, metallurgy, you name it) are more than happy to have members of the bought priesthood of academia distill fantasies about the joys of the alleged "free market." Not a word in this book about the public subsidies that become private profits, with a huge military and growing prison-industrial-complex for the millions of people who are superfluous to the plans being made (undemocratically, of course) in Geneva and Bonn. Corporate tyranny and its servants are destroying the environment, labor protections, the public sphere, and cultural diversity. Goebbels would be impressed.

Clearly explains value of foreign trade on world economies.
Occasionally, we are contacted by business people who are not as yet convinced of the importance of international trade on foreign economies and the future of their company. They still think of exporting as an option that they can put aside until "things slow down a bit" and they have more time. We suggest to them that they read this publication from start to finish. It gives them an exciting new outlook on exporting. In fact, several of them start investigating foreign markets almost immediately after finishing the book. Although "academic" at times, it is very well written. We recommend it for serious exporters and especially for those who are still pondering the need for their company to introduce their products and services into world markets.

I chose this book as a required reading for my seminar.
I like this book because it is very interesting and informative. I began reading it for pleasure, but by the time I was half way finished, I was sure of its serious nature and had decided to adopt it as a required reading in the seminar that I teach on the economic impact of globalization. The author succeeds in presenting the right mix of theory and history with sufficient analysis. It is well researched and very well organized. It should prove as interesting to the general reader as it is informative for the academics. However, its treatment of classical economists is far superior to the section dealing with contemporary writeres on free trade. Hopefully, in the second edition the author will remedy this shortcomeing. ... Read more

Book Description

From Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, Latin America is remarkably misunderstood, often viewed merely as a source of cheap labor, where corrupt politicians and drug lords run rampant. As a result, many--especially smaller--U.S. businesses are missing out on lucrative opportunities to expand their operations into this dynamic region, home to over 500 million consumers. Drawing from over 30 years of first-hand experience and research, Dr. Thomas Becker helps readers overcome these stereotypes and presents a concise and authoritative approach to conducting business in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. ... Read more

Book Description

Kenichi Ohame looks ahead to the future of business in the age of the Internet and sees a rapidly changing landscape -- one to which we must adapt or face the consequences. Ohame unveils this new economy's four basic forces and shows how a dramatic and volatile battleground is forming between companies and the countries that try to regulate them.

Just as The Borderless World foresaw a globally interlinked economy, The Invisible Continent maps out the coming technological revolutions and the impact they will have on the businesses around the world. A must read for anyone seeking to attain and keep a competitive advantage in today's markets, The Invisible Continent is a "timely, well-written, and well-organized book" (Library Journal).

Reviews (15)

THIS IS A WORK OF AWE-INSPIRING BUSINESS GENIUS.
As the author of "Start & Run a Profitable Exporting Business," I had the great honor of receiving Dr. Ohmae's endorsement of my book. I have been an admirer of his since starting a global marketing, consulting and web content providing business in 1985. His first book, "The Borderless World," not only inspired me to focus my entire professional career on global trade, but also changed forever the way in which managers throughout the world viewed their business.

Now, looking forward with great anticipation to this new book, "The Invisible Continent: Four Strategic Imperatives of the New Economy," I wondered how Dr. Ohmae could live up to his pioneering work of the early 80's on "globalism" -- a word he coined that is now in everyday use -- and give us an equally ground-breaking text for the 21st century. I'm delighted to report that I read his book and it is Dr. Ohmae's best work ever. He remains a foremost architect of the future of business on (as he describes it) our cyber-enabled continent.

This is a work of awe-inspiring business genius, offering a boundless wealth of ideas about how to thrive in our new economy. The enormity of Dr. Ohmae's intellect and the clarity of focus with which he seamlessly assembles complex ideas about our "continent without land" make this a text that is at once profound, sophisticated and marvelously easy to understand. Here's a characteristic comment, at once colorful and thought-provoking: "The Internet has made it much easier to become simultaneously global and newly born." Dr. Ohmae compels us to think about the conditions of world business not as they are, but as they will be -- much faster than you think -- and what to do about it. I put down the book asking myself, "What just happened here?" -- it was that provocative.

If you want a forecast of the future of traditional and e-business NOW, then you should secure your copy of "The Invisible Continent: Four Strategic Imperatives of the New Economy" TODAY.

A must read to fully enter the "new economy" continent
Make sure to read this book to explore and better integrate this "invisible continent", which is wrapped around all of us.
Kenichi Ohmae is starting his book with following words: "... sudden changes can often be traced to the discovery of new lands-the opening up of contact with a new geographic region with a different way of life. As explorers and settlers have come to new continents, they have shifted their ways of life-not just for themselves, but also for the old worlds they left behind."
"During the past fifteen years... a kind of new continent, existing only in our collective minds, has been discovered-a continent without land" where "people with courage and curiosity have discovered new ways of life."
The author calls this continent " the invisible continent... as palpable and vital, as tangible and solid, as if you could find it on a map." But this metaphor of an "invisible continent" can also be used for the people who do not want to see the changes, even more nowadays after the recent explosion of the "new economy" bubble.
Looking through the glasses of the Kenichi Ohmae becomes surely useful to understand and act in the world we are living in.
Four dimensions are characterising this "invisible continent". They are the visible dimension, the inevitable physical part to deliver goods and services, the borderless dimension, global worldwide markets and operations, the cyber dimension-instant communication and exchanges, the dimension of high multiples allowing huge financial leverage.
The most successful companies in the "new economy" are playing on these four dimensions interactively to thrive at never seen before speed, when in conventional management schools these four dimensions are taught separately, when taught.
The appearance of this new continent, some 18 years ago, was linked to the setting up of platforms, open standards tacitly shared between "new economy" pioneers and consumers, and to the growing role of arbitrage in an increased information fluidity environment to maintain prices down and quality up. If Microsoft Windows is an important platform to communicate in the cyber dimension, English language and dollar currency are two other ones in the borderless dimension, explaining partly the predominance of USA on this new continent. When arbitrage is creating opportunities it creates also uncertainty for long-term commitment and a more unstable environment.
In the new continent the power is shifting from the producers to the consumers with important impact on economical and political decisions.
This is the point where the old and the new have to find answers to questions asked by the introduction in our lives of this new continent.
Kenichi Ohmae's book is becoming our lighthouse in this new territory by presenting the strategies followed by the "new economy" companies but also by exploring the role of politicians to facilitate integration in this "new economy" environment.
Many developed illustrated ideas are real value as: targeting markets with enough consumer power and discretionary income, deregulating crucial economical activities, developing regional entities, setting up the right "new economy" infrastructures etc.
Here are the basics on micro and macro economy to enter in the 21st century.
Reading this book changed my life in making clear the invisible of this new continent. I'm convinced that the Kenichi Ohmae's contribution will be better recognised in coming years and I keep his book at hand to make sure to extract all the richness it contains.

A fine interpretation of recent economic history
One of what I consider the enlightening books that allow you to gain a new perspective on a seemingly complex subject. In one go the author attempts to explain how recent economic, technological, commercial and societal developments have conspired to create a new world order. Decision-makers would do well to use the lessons of this book to analyze their decisions. I sometimes feel that the people making the decisions, universally, are under-educated and naive and would not even consider the wider ramifications of their decisions.

My only complaint is that Mr. Ohmae tends to ramble on topics that may well be more concise. He also pauses every once in a while to complain against the egregious faults of the Japanese government. I don't blame him but it would be better if he treated it in a seperate book on the subject.

A book providing wider horizon and longer vision
It talks about how 3 new forces - cyber, economic multiples, globalisation - are reshaping the world's future. Not only in business or economic, bu also in political and social spheres.

These 3 forces are not really new and there shall be lot of literature talking about them. Strength of this book is to look at them from a macro perspective; and they interact (together with "real" economy) and affect well-being of mankind. It is not a descriptive book. In fact, the author shares his vision of how we shall deal with these changes - as an individual, a company, a country, a government, and everyone of us as an international citizen.

Author exercises powerful imagination of what will happen in future, e.g. a new cold war using the 3 forces. This may seem wild but certainly not empty talking. You may not take this seriously but it can enhance your feel about many future possibilities.

Unlike most Japanese, author has his independent opinions and express them critically. It is always sensitive for a foreigner to talk about other countries - e.g. Americans blocking Japan's recovery, Koreans maintaining developing countries mindset, China and Russia disintegration - let us be open minded and respect free speech.

A work by one of the strategists shaping our future
We need to pay heed to Dr. Ohmae ideas is this work, because his track record is pretty sound. His four strategic imperatives will drive the economy of the future and make this world a better place for everyone to live. ... Read more

Book Description

By presenting the fundamentals of international economics clearly with a strong presentation of theory, policy and applications, The World Economy: Trade and Finance is an excellent choice for a broad range of trade and finance courses with an international economic focus.This text is believed to be the most technically accurate text available on the market.Yarbrough and Yarbrough's mission with this text is to allow the student to discover how key economic tools will help them understand international issues that affect them daily.At the end of each chapter you will find 3 to 5 cases to allow the instructor to bring in more applied material into the theoretical discussion. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

frustrating
This book takes the time to explain easy concepts in great detail (sometimes rearranging mathematical equations in trivial ways), but it fell short in explaining the difficult concepts. For example, on p532, it appears that the balance of payments is always zero for every completed transaction just because of accounting convention and not because of economic equilibrium; this doesn't seem right. Also, it makes some assumptions that could use some more discussion (for example, on p493, it states that supply of foreign-currency-denominated deposits is not influenced by the exchange rate, but is that really true?)

Easy to read and comprehensive undergraduate text
I used this text in the Multinational Economics 320 class, and I found it a very comprehensive and pleasurable reading. Principles are logically explained and profoundly supported with appropriate statistics. The book has rather broad scope, yet it remains thorough in explanation of basic principles. Suitable for undergraduate courses.

Too wordy. Boring. Only fit for American readers.
The book is too liberal with using words. The book is extremely long, although it needn't be. The author could have explained it in a shorter way. Extremely boring, especially for foreign readers since it deals too much with American laws, which are of no interest to us. ... Read more

Download Description

In this book, you will be introduced to the basics of Chinese culture. You will discover how to initiate contact, what to expect in meetings, and how to behave there. You will learn the way the Chinese approach negotiations, discover how you can respond to them, and learn how to negotiate a successful conclusion. You will also find out how to socialize for success, how to cope with specific problems of living and working in China, and the best way to treat Chinese visitors to your organization. You are given practical advice throughout on business etiquette, and on how to fit into Chinese cultural expectations in order to achieve your goals. An appendix briefly explains Chinese history, and then considers recent economic, political, and social changes. If you fit any one of the following descriptions, this book will provide valuable help to you in your chosen field: - I am a business person and I am thinking of moving into the China market to buy or sell, or I already buy or sell in China, or I am contemplating investing in China.- I work for the government and I would like to know more about China, its business practices, and how to deal with the Chinese I meet.- I am a university professor and I teach a course about doing business in China, or the Chinese economy and society, or cross cultural management problems, or law and international negotiating practices.- I am a student and I am studying China, or taking courses about cross cultural management, or doing business in China, or international business studies, or negotiating abroad.For author bio and photo, reviews and a reading sample, go to bosonbooks.com ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A really good book
This is an excellent book for those who want to do business with China, whether buying, selling or investing there. It is full of practical advice and I thought was well worth the money - it will pay for itself over and over again.

When West meets East
When West meets East
-Two cents from a Chinese

Chinese Business Etiquette and Culture is a most persuasive book on Chinese culture and society I've ever read. Mr. Bucknall is really an expert on China!

Just as proclaimed in the preface, "...how to improve your behaviour to achieve greater success is explained in the context of Chinese culture. The information is practical and provided in a simple and direct way."

In this book, you can find many practical and interesting examples of cultural shocks westerners would expect in China. For example, in China, "man in a green hat " is a metaphor that his wife or lover has an affair with another guy. Amusingly, I personally happen to have read a true story elsewhere: " Several years ago, a Washington state agricultural delegate used green hats as presents in China*. No recipient bothered to put on it." Another example is about Guanxi -- a network of personal relationships with Chinese characteristic, which I bet will be of immense interest to business men. I absolutely agree with the author that Guanxi is the secret of being successful in China.

Many business tactics are taught, which deeply impressed me, an individual born and raised in China. One instance is negotiating skills covered in depth. You may also be interested in learning about Chinese business law from this book.

Although the good news is that Chinese people are more and more understanding towards foreign cultures because of globalization, there is one thing that I can't refrain from not telling: the bloody history between China and Japan in the war from 1937 till 1945. The Nanjing Massacre is a typical example. The most exasperating thing to us Chinese is that until today the Japanese has never formally apologized for their atrocity in the war . A Canadian liquor trader's experience* in Shanghai is a good lesson to those ignorant of that history. He told Chinese reporters that he was confident in the marketing prospect of his products in China because they were very popular in culturally similar Japan. His liquor never sold well.

However, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the large number of details, a very small part of which are even minor to us Chinese. One such example is Not to Ask about the Weather. In my opinion, this is a small drawback of this book.

Highly recommend!... ... Read more

Book Description

The WTO dispute settlement system plays an important role in clarifying and enforcing the legal obligations contained in the WTO Agreement. The objective of this handbook is to give the general reader a good understanding of the practical operation of this system. Working through this guide, the reader will be introduced to all elements of the dispute settlement process, from the initiation of a case through to the implementation of the decision. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a book for human resource professionals, academics, researchers and independent consultants who are engaged in assessing other people at work. It places assessment in its political, economic, social and organizational context, and provides a critical guide to emergent issues in both research and practice. The contributors to the book originate from countries in Europe, North America and Asia and provide a vital perspective for the rapid international developments in selection and assessment in the 1990s and beyond. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the book that exposed the Daimler-Chrysler "merger of equals" as a bold German takeover of an industrial icon. Taken for a Ride reveals the shock waves felt around the world when Daimler-Benz bought Chrysler for $36 billion in 1998. In a gripping narrative, Bill Vlasic and Bradley A. Stertz go behind the scenes of the defining corporate drama of the decade -- and in a new epilogue chart its chaotic aftermath.

Reviews (38)

Whoa
Taken for a Ride is a great book about the Daimler Chrysler merger. It starts out by explaining who all of the big - time players in the merger are, such as Kirk Kerkorian, Tom Stallkamp, Hilmar Kopper, Eckhard Cordes, and Dennis Pawley. Kirk Kerkorian was the one man that started the whole thing. In April of 1995 he launched a 22.8 BILLION dollar takeover bid on Chrysler. When Daimler got news of this, they called Chrysler to make sure that they had a part in the negotiations. At the end of May, Kerkorian dropped his bid because he failed to line up backing. Chrysler later assigned some executives to explore possibilities with Mercedes Benz. In 1998 Jurgen E. Schrempp ,an executive at Daimler, visited Bob Eaton, an exec at Chrysler, in Auburn Hills to express his interest in a Merger. After this they had to have a meeting about what the name of the new company would be. After the meeting it was decided that the name would DaimlerChrysler AG. After Chrysler Board and the Deutsche Bank approved, Eaton and Schrempp signed the merger papers in London. Finally on November 17 of 1998 DaimlerChrysler became the worlds third largest auto company.
I really enjoyed this book. I think that I liked it because I like cars so much and because my favorite car company is DaimlerChyrsler. Bill Vlasic and Bradley Stertz did a very nice job writing this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My favorite part would have to have been when the two companies were in all the tense meetings.

What about Bob?
Well researched and sourced, this page-turner is also very well written. As the title intends to imply, Chrysler executives (and shareholders) were out-finessed by Daimler's Jürgen Schrempp, clearly a genius, and his tightly knit and intensely focused Stuttgart executive suite.

Meanwhile, the American side was characterized by politics, back-stabbing and the inexplicable actions and non-actions of CEO Bob Eaton. Left unexplained (perhaps because the authors weren't sure themselves) was Eaton's apparent catatonic state through most of the integration phase. He ceded critical decision-making to Schrempp (much to the delight of Schrempp) while icing out and utterly failing to support his own key executives, in particular Bob Lutz and Tom Stallkamp.

In addition to providing remarkable insights into both the global automotive business and the arcane world of mergers and acquisitions, this book paints compelling portraits of the key players in this mega-merger, including insights into their motives and strategic thinking. I highly recommend this book, even to those not the least bit interested in the car business.

This story feels real.
I don't know how Vlasic was able to get the information in this book. The conversations ring true to me and this story feels as if it really could have occurred the way Vlasic describes it. This is one of the best books I have read in the past year. He is able to take a somewhat chaotic true story and assemble a story that flows smoothly yet also seems accurate. His ability to draw a picture of the characters is outstanding and they have proven quite prescient as time has passed.

Outstanding work about the loss of an American Icon
If you are looking to find out exactly how the Germans came in and stole Chrysler out from under its American leadership, this is the book for you. Superbly written and researched, the book is a page turner that kept me up till the early morning hours. I highly recommend it and hope that nothing like this ever happens again in corporate America. "Taken for a Ride" couldn't be a more fitting title.

A must for all automotive industry folks
Sometimes the reading gets boring in too many details, but the facts in this book are INCREDIBLE!
It shows that Juergen Schrempp never wanted to merge, but to buy, Bob Eaton was totally involved and everybody else was taken by surprise. Bob Eaton never actually ran the company, maybe that is why he sold it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Finance Is Finance
Stern and Chew bring together some better than average work into finance. If you have plowed through as many finance texts as I have during undergrad, graduate, and now post-grad work, you know how old this stuff can get. They have managed to bring in good information from a number of sources that didn't put me to sleep and actually taught me a thing or two when I had previously fooled myself into believeing I knew it all. Good book!

Great for those already introduced to EVA
Readers looking to expand their understanding beyond the ideas in books like Valuation, Creating Shareholder Value, Quest For Value, etc should have this in the library. The collection provides great brain food for advanced corp fin ideas/debates for both securities analysts and corporations. The downside would be that application of some of the ideas presented would a bit difficult for an analyst (vs a company insider). ... Read more

Book Description

In these pages Justin Rosenberg develops an erudite and lively critique of contemporary globalization theory. He argues that fashionable preoccupations with spatiality have generated deep intellectual confusions that stand in the way of a clear understanding of the modern world. And he shows how these confusions ultimately condemn globalization theorists to a peculiar and quixotic stance: the more clearly they attempt to articulate their arguments, the more equivocal and evasive those arguments become. The Follies of Globalisation Theory looks first at the broad field of international relations. It then turns its attention to a work widely credited with providing a sociological foundation for globalization theory, Anthony Giddens's The Consequences of Modernity. Rosenberg submits Giddens's theory to a thorough, often highly entertaining interrogation, and concludes by drawing out the implications of his critique for globalization theory in general. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fiesty criticism of modern globalization theory
Justin Rosenberg's The Follies Of Globalization Theory is an intelligent and fiesty criticism of modern globalization theory. Author Rosenberg, who won the 1994 Isaac Deutscher Memorial Prize with his previous work, The Empire of Civil Society, and again spares neither wit nor word in his harsh evaluation of the stagnation of the globalization paradox. Rosenberg's contention is that the more erudite globalization theorists try to be in presenting their arguments, the more amorphous those arguments become. Written to be entertaining as well as erudite, The Follies Of Globalization Theory offers deep thought and scathing warnings about an issue that literally circumscribes the world. ... Read more

Book Description

The last twenty years have witnessed a tremendous increase in industrial collaboration in research and development (R&D) both in Europe and the world at large. Firms have increasingly opted for collaboration in an effort to deal with the uncertainties that stem from rising research costs, rapid technological change and the development of a network economy. Governments have been quick to support this trend in order to promote competitiveness and, in the European context, to foster cohesion. ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition has been rewritten to provide an up-to-date, clear and comprehensive account of the most important developments currently taking place in the world economy.The text introduces the major economic theories and models with an emphasis on changes within the world trading system and how governments respond. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

solid and realistic intro to confusing behaviors
It is a sad commentary that, now that Japan is no longer viewed as ascendant, critical and better books are coming out than existed (or were known) previously. I think that we did not want to know about the flaws underneath the facades we constructed, though many of us suspected them.

This book takes a good, stark look at the arcana of dealing with Japanese businesses. It is a world where appearences are more important than realities, where superficial politeness hides brutal power relationships, and where the correctness of routine is more important than the reasons - strategic or otherwise - behind them. In practical terms, this reveals that what a lot of us thought about Japan in the 1980s was in fact meaningless ritual and blind procedure (following and copying), couched in nice terms ("tatemae") that so many of us took at face value. The reality underneath, the uglier side of things, is almost invariably truer than the nicer versions. And now that Japan is seen as a beleagered backwater, we have no problem believing the worst.

That makes this book VERY valuable. Unfortunately, it is written like an academic business book, which means its style is rather plain, rather than with the vividness of journalism. But that may be my own bias.

Best book available regarding Japanese management
Read this and come away with a much better understanding of the background and corporate orientation of your Japanese counterparts. Simply outstanding.

This is the first and last book you need to read on Japan.
My 10 years of experience with the Japanese (including 4 different Japanese companies) has provided me with endless cases of dumbfounded bewilderment at Japanese behavior. Upon reading Inside the Kaisha, I found succinct, clear explanations of Japanese thinking and behavior which totally agree with my life experiences. Hats off to the meticulous research and easy-to-read writing style!

A book about "what" and not the "why" of Japan
The author states in the first chapter: " As a trader, my job is to go into the market and try to make money. We still have almost two months before our fiscal year ends. Are you saying I shouldn't even make money because it will affect the budget?" "Yes:' answered the controller, "that's exactly what I'm saying!"

This is a statement about what happens but the author doesn't pause to ask or answer the question "Why does the budget have to be on target?" Anyone who has really worked in a Japanese company and who has some insight would give the readers more substance concerning the topic of Japan. Add this one to the list of "ho-hum" titles on this country and its culture.

a must-read for everyone who's interested in Japan
For a long time Japan business and society have puzzled even its own insiders, it is no longer so after this book. "Inside the Kaisha" describes a society where its people make their date-to-date decisions not based on a set of core values, but on model behavior which varies upon different context. Highly egalitarian from the outset, yet its language effectively enforce a caste system based on seniority and acquired social status. Japan's splendid economic success has spurred global imitations of its business behavior, yet outsiders often failed to understand its culture which is the primal driving force. This book successfully establish such link and I think its essential for everyone who's interested in Japan ... Read more

Book Description

In these elegantly written essays, Kishore Mahbubani sets forth a wake-up call to Asians and Westerners alike. In such diverse pieces as "The Ten Commandments for Developing Countries" and "The Dangers of Decadence: What the Rest Can Teach the West," the author challenges the West’s intellectual universe, arguing that Western consciousness has become trapped in intellectual rigidity. An iconoclastic theme underscores Mahbubani’s message: After 500 years of Western domination of Asia, the 21st century will see a two-way exchange of ideas between East and West. The author’s perspectives will resonate with Asians and provoke debate in the West, but in Mahbubani’s words, "The world will be a much richer place when Western minds stop assuming that Western civilization represents the universal civilization." "Mahbubani writes with a diplomat’s charm, gleefully untangling political knots into simple threads." - Time ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Fresh point of view!
Always stuck with what you think of how the West thinks about the world?
Need new ideas, new perspectives?
Want to know what non westerners might think and desire about how this world should and could evolve?
An absolute requirement for those wanting to broaden views, learn and realize that there's more in this world than just the West. There's also the Rest

Read this book and climb out of the PC rut
First of all, the brouhaha over the title simply proves the author's point: Asians and Westerners view things differently.

If you care at all about the world, READ THIS BOOK. Really, it's OK. Just treat it like one of those trashy novels whose cover you need to hide in public. It's really worth it.

As an impressionable youngster I was brought up to believe that what worked for me as a kid was best for the world: a single-family home in a semi-rural setting, public schools, democracy, free speech, and so on. It took my first visits overseas to appreciate that people can really flourish in apartment dwellings. It's taken Mahbubani's book to make me realize that today's free speech and universal franchise may have been the RESULT and not the CAUSE of American middle-class prosperity.

Mahbubani's views have vital implications regarding aid to developing countries. We've seen in the news how elections by themselves have failed to stabilize unstable countries.

He also has some very ripe comments about the Western press, which no doubt explains why the book is so rarely reviewed. He argues that the press is an unchecked power both overseas and within the US -- imagine if a tinpot dictator refused to talk to the American press? Unheard of!

Mahbubani believes that the public should demand the same level of integrity from their journalists that they expect of their politicians. Yet it's rare that journalists are raked over the coals for being bribed by corporations (just about every major journalist seems to have spent time on Enron's payroll as a "consultant") or for marital infidelity. Washington journalists are very good at casting the first stone when some politician is caught with his pants down, but it's rare for someone to question a journalist's integrity based on outside infidelities. Given how "access" equals "power" in Washington, Mahbubani argues that the press represents a large power bloc within the US that is largely unchecked with respect to integrity. While I find this statement a bit extreme, there is some truth to it.

Some people see Mahbubani as an apologist for the Singaporean government. It's true that his words make their government more palatable to Westerners. But it's important to consider his words, regardless of whether he's an apologist or not. Intellectuals listened to numerous fools extolling the virtues of Stalin in the '30s. Let us give this fellow a hearing, at least.

Is Mahbubani "right" or "wrong" ?? I don't know. But he provides some incredibly thought-provoking essays based on a lifetime of foreign service.

Good Insights
I will like to congratulate Kishore in approaching this subject in a very thorough and balanced manner. It is very readable and should be recommended reading for all students who intend to further their studies in Asia. Executives who are posted to Asia can take heart that the mindset and thinking of Asians will not be a great "mystery" after reading this book.

Good work. ... Read more

Book Description

Using real-life stories and situations, the author vividly describes the business experiences of foreign executives and their companies in China--and the problems that are usually kept hidden. Informative, candid, and entertaining, she unlocks the key "rules of the game" including: the nature of banquets, prevalence of sharp practices, corruption involving officials, sharing power in joint ventures, introducing change into the workplace, and official interference. A must read for westerners doing business with China. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Simply the best book on China business ever...
Amazing book. The first and only book to EVER capture what business is really like in China. No punches pulled whatsoever.

You want to learn about China? Buy this book and also see if you can find a very old book by Lucian Pye about negotiating in China.

By the way, I have 15 years of experience living and working in multinational corporations in China.

Also by the way, Blackman's previous book about negotiating was good but nowhere near the level of this new book.

Carolyn Blackman, congratulations you did it once again !
As similar to her earlier book, "Negotiating China -Case Studies & Strategies", this book is peppered with real-life cases studies and comments, in almost every chapter.

Although I come from an Asian country; this book, nonethelesshas provided me an intimate intricacy for the conduct of doing business in China.

In particular, I quite like the 8-pages quick Reference Chartthat provides a quick intro on the aspect of Chinese business scene, detailing the Chinese historical background and the recommended strategies to deal with them. The relevant chapter is also provided for quick reference.

This is definitely one of the better book from the Down Under. I managed this just within just 1 day ! ... Read more

Book Description

A practical and well-balanced look at the opportunities and pitfalls ahead in emerging markets

"Jeffrey Hooke has taken his years of experience in the field and produced a thoughtful and realistic guide to the business challenges of emerging markets. It is valuable reading for all who seek to do business in these economies."–James A. Harmon, former Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States

"Besides its insightful anecdotes about what it takes to do business and invest in the emerging markets, this book provides the reader with a solid foundation and practical guidelines to approach these markets with the requisite understanding of its hidden risks and opportunities. It is a must-read for neophytes and all those investors and decision-makers who intend to make these markets an integral part of their professional surroundings."–Andre J. Cracco, Director, Corporate Finance Services, World Bank Group

"Eureka! A hard-biting account of many business realities in emerging markets. A must-read before you cross the border."–Andrea M. Esposito, Director, Standard & Poor’s

"An integral guide to the emerging markets. This book provides the reader with essential insights into the risks and opportunities of new economies."–James J. Wallace Jr., Executive Vice President, Bank of Tokyo—Mitsubishi ... Read more

Reviews (2)

realistic guide to the developing world
The book provides a hard hitting summary of both the risks and opportunities of the developing countirs. It also included a lot of solutions to the problems one faces. I liked the way in which it addressed issues from an operating company, equity investor's, and lender's perspectives. Nobody else does that. The anecdotes on various regions were entertaining.

Highly Recommended!
Former investment banker Jeffrey C. Hooke now carries out financial deals in the developing world. He describes the potential for doing business or investing in the world's 156 emerging markets. Hooke is realistic about the great risks - such as unstable governments in impoverished countries - but he highlights future potential. His book is a solidly researched and clearly written guide to assessing the business climate and deciding what types of products make the most sense in different developing countries. After an overview of the nature of emerging markets, why companies want to participate in or avoid these markets, and how to invest and make loans there, he looks at particular markets in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. We [...] recommend this worthy book to those considering working or investing in emerging markets, but academics or readers interested in how business is conducted in foreign places may also be intrigued.
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Book Description

This is a groundbreaking guide that helps investors navigate through the web of industrial parks, economic and technological development zones, high-tech parks, Free Trade Zones and export-processing zones etc. Tailored for would-be investors trying to decide on the most suitable industrial park for their investments, this guide offers the most up-to-date information aboutof the most well-known industrial parks in China. ... Read more

Book Description

Fully updated, this third edition contains entirely new chapters on the political environment and Germany's economic development, the recent radical tax reforms, a new legal section and thoroughly updated information on the tax and accounting regimes.Contents include: Economic and Business Conditions; Business Structures and Practices; Banking and Financial Services; Accounting and Taxation Issues; Legal Issues; Appendices: Business Agencies; Economic Incentives; German Chambers of Commerce. ... Read more