1. Private sector firms have become the most dynamic sector of China’s
economy. Yet the state sector is hugely privileged in access to capital,
licenses and various state approvals. Critically discuss how private firms
use networks and other means to overcome their liability of being private.
2. How does globalisation impact on the management of Chinese firms?
You should select a particular type of firm rather than try to discuss all.
For example, large State-owned firms, or large private-owned firms that
are internationalising, or small family-run (private owned) firm inside and
outside China. But not all. Globalisation affects each differently.
3. Chinese guanxi-based networking has been described as a ‘cultural
mode’ of communications or the ‘logic’ of business. What are the positive
and negative consequences of guanxi for Chinese managerial practices?
4. What are business groups, and how do they facilitate an understanding
of China’s big businesses? Should China be adopting them? Illustrate
using specific case studies of business groups in China.
