About the Book

China's economy, despite recently weathered challenges, continues to prove attractive to foreign investors, expanding businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking global opportunities. This handbook has been written for anyone with an interest in doing business in China, including the consultants and specialists who work with global companies, but it is far more than an introduction to the Chinese market. Combining a deep knowledge of Chinese culture with her recent experience and continuing work with managers who do business in this sleeping economic superpower, the author brings out the nuances in everything she writes about, e.g., the distinctions among Chinese in income, target market, and geographic region. She demonstrates how Western notions of market segmentation, for example, may be fatally flawed when applied indiscriminately to the same demographically selected categories of Chinese consumers. Investing in China is not some get rich quick scheme. Only those who take the time to fully and thoroughly understand the Chinese market, and how that market is likely to interact with their products or services, will demonstrate the patience necessary to achieve success.

Book Synopsis

China's economy, despite recently weathered challenges, continues to prove attractive to foreign investors, expanding businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking global opportunities. This handbook has been written for anyone with an interest in doing business in China, including the consultants and specialists who work with global companies, but it is far more than an introduction to the Chinese market. Combining a deep knowledge of Chinese culture with her recent experience and continuing work with managers who do business in this sleeping economic superpower, the author brings out the nuances in everything she writes about, e.g., the distinctions among Chinese in income, target market, and geographic region. She demonstrates how Western notions of market segmentation, for example, may be fatally flawed when applied indiscriminately to the same demographically selected categories of Chinese consumers. Investing in China is not some get rich quick scheme. Only those who take the time to fully and thoroughly understand the Chinese market, and how that market is likely to interact with their products or services, will demonstrate the patience necessary to achieve success.

Review Quotes

"This handbook provides a thorough overview of conducting business in China and will be a valuable resource for managers, investors, and consultants as well as academics and advanced students. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections." --Choice

"The book's ability to combine both hard and soft information in mutual support means that the business practicioner is well equipped with the Chinese roadmap to success." --Journal of Asian Business

"This book provides a detailed picture of today's China as it actually is, based on fact and experience. It shows why going into the Chinese market is not only important, but a success-oriented move, and it explains why one should not wait for political or humanitarian changes, which may not occur in the way the West is expecting. It is a handbook for investors, managers, entrepreneurs, consultants, and specialists." --Abstracts of Public Administration, Development and Environment.

About the Author

BIRGIT ZINZIUS is a leading international consultant on business and management in Asia, especially China, where she lived and teached for several years. She is the founder and Managing Director of the Seminar for Intercultural Communication and International Management, and has published various books about China, its business and culture.