The evolution of Chinese business ethics

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 778-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Berger ◽  
Ram Herstein
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Chinese Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Business ◽  
Business Ethics In China

Purpose – This article aims to present a historical overview of the evolution of business ethics in China and highlights the ways in which its ethical structure lags behind its rapid economic expansion. Understanding Guanxi, the Chinese social network of reciprocal business relations common in Confucian cultures, has long been recognized as one of the major success factors when doing business in China (Hwang et al., 2009). Recognizing the significant impact of Guanxi and its influence on everyday dealings in China is, thus, crucial for Western firms. Whereas considerable research has dealt with the growth of Chinese industries in recent years, the key relationship between changes in its economy and shifts in Chinese business ethics has been neglected although it impacts the ways Westerners, in particular, both clinch deals and judge Chinese firms. The implications of this disparity for global business are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The discussion draws on the academic literature and the researchers’ experience in how business and business ethics are conducted between Western and Chinese firms. This paper presents a content analysis of theoretical articles and compares them to conceptual and empirical approaches, with an emphasis on a pragmatic approach to fostering a better understanding of the evolution of Chinese business ethics and its implications on business practices. Findings – Maps the evolution of business ethics in China and need to adapt to an ever changing business environment. Originality/value – This study offers a new insight to the evolution of Chinese business ethics and highlights its importance in business interactions. It illustrates the co-evolution of business ethics in parallel with the advancement of the Chinese economy. This paper is the first paper that addresses the issue of the evolution and formation of Chinese business ethics and links it to economic progress and opening up to the West.

The transformation of Chinese business ethics in line with its emergence as a global economic leader

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-122
Author(s):  
Ron Berger
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Business ◽  
Future Situation ◽  
Business Ethics In China ◽  
And Shifts ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose – This paper aims to present the evolution of Chinese business ethics and CSR policy. China currently has business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) concerns primarily because its economy is in evolution. As the Chinese economy is in transition from the late 1970s from a command–Communist economy to a more hybrid system Beijing model (a system based on a capitalist market controlled through bureaucracy), much has to be understood if one wants to participate in its vast economic potential. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on the building of a model that depicts the evolution of business ethics in China as a base for further research. Findings – With the rapid development of the Chinese economy, opportunities are opening up to Chinese entrepreneurs and connected officials. This has led to money worship and, in some cases, thorough unethical behavior. The uncertain and ever-changing rules of the game generate opportunity for business ethics and CSR problems. This wealth creates temptation and incentives to cut corners to get rich fast. Much research has tried to explain business ethics in China through the understanding of Guanxi (Chinese social network of reciprocal business relations common in Confucian cultures), but in my view, the evolutionary aspect of it is missing to explain the present and future situation. Whereas considerable research has dealt with the growth of Chinese industries in recent years, the key relationship between changes in its economy and shifts in Chinese business ethics has been neglected. This paper presents the evolution of Chinese business ethics and CSR policy. Originality/value – The paper illustrates the evolution of Chinese business ethics and how one has to adapt if one wants to succeed in its ever evolving and maturing market. A model is presented that can assist in future research in the area.

Logistics and distribution innovation in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Amling ◽  
Patricia J. Daugherty
Keyword(s):  
Business Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Chinese Business ◽  
The Usa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how two mega-trends, e-commerce and urbanization, have the potential to reshape logistics practices around the world. Primary focus is on how Chinese business practices and logistics innovations are increasingly relevant to the USA and other western countries. Design/methodology/approach Experience-based thought piece focusing on specific Chinese logistics innovations centering on speed, adaptability and new business models. Findings The Chinese economy has played a key role in providing support and enabling logistics innovations in China. Key enablers include the ubiquitous connectivity and applications availability, the dynamic low-cost labor environment and government support for the Chinese logistics industry. Research limitations/implications This study suggests new areas for research. Practical implications This study provides insights into the potential value associated with adopting innovative Chinese logistics practices. Social implications This study provides suggested areas of attention to help focus on logistics operations on key societal trends. Originality/value Our paper provides insights into the potential value associated with adopting innovative Chinese logistics practices. We believe this represents a significant contribution as little coverage of the topics have been noted to date in leading logistics/supply chain journals.

The enigma of the Chinese diamond industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Berger
Keyword(s):  
Business Ethics ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Chinese Economy ◽  
Relational Governance ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Chinese Business ◽  
Mitigating Factors ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the evolution of Chinese business ethics over time and how it impacts business. While much research attention has been directed toward China and its various industries, the Chinese diamond industry has been largely neglected. This industry is the second in size and fastest growing globally. It is interesting to examine its evolution over time and how external factors affect the firms’ business ethics behavior. Design/methodology/approach – Exploratory field work involving the interview of major players was undertaken, complemented by extensive desk work, was used to create a base for future in-depth research of the secretive Chinese diamond industry. Findings – A paradox was identified in the Chinese diamond industry, namely, that while Chinese businesses tend to follow a relational governance model, China’s diamond industry tends to use rational mechanisms of governance and exchange, a paradox that is explained by mitigating factors. Research limitations/implications – Future studies should use a quantitative questionnaire with a larger set of Chinese diamond firms to further examine the paradox found. Future studies could also examine whether the transformation from a system based on social networks to a system based on market forces as found in the Chinese diamond industry is an indicator of an ethical and business evolution of the whole Chinese industry. This may illustrate the rationalization of the Chinese economy and its progression toward Western models of exchange as it further opens up to the West. Originality/value – This paper is a pioneering work on the business ethics and strategy implemented by firms in the Chinese diamond industry.

Critical management issues in China’s socio-economic transformation

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin Tachia ◽  
Liu Ren-huai
Keyword(s):  
Business Environment ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Chinese Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Critical Management ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Management Issues

Purpose This paper aims to introduce ten studies included in this themed issue that illustrate from multifaceted angles some critical management issues and context-specific challenges on strategy and innovation facing the State and enterprises during China’s socio-economic transition. Instead of focusing on topics from the literature, this special issue (SI) pays more attention to characterising unique Chinese business practices in the transformation period. Design/methodology/approach The ten manuscripts were selected for this SI so that readers can compare how scholars used different research designs and multiple analytical and statistical approaches to draw conclusions. Findings These studies involve a wide range of aspects, as well as diversified perspectives demonstrating some critical management issues and context-specific phenomenon associated with the development of strategy and innovation in contemporary China. The results show that while pollution-related issues have had a damaging effect on China’s business environment, the Chinese government has to enact and enforce stricter environmental laws to promote technology innovation in a healthier manner; moreover, Chinese firms should pay greater attention to the trade-off between the increasing of resource consumption for growth and the reducing of energy use for the sake of the planet. In response to the grand innovation challenges Chinese manufacturing is confronted with, these papers suggest that policy support may not always be beneficial but sometimes detrimental to independent innovation, and that Chinese manufacturers may ultimately get access to the key and core technology of forerunners by forming a R&D strategic alliance in periphery knowledge/technology first. Overall, the outcomes of these studies provide a bigger picture and intriguing implications that may inspire practitioners, policymakers and academics to further ponder relevant issues in a more comprehensive way. Originality/value All ten studies based on original data were not reported elsewhere and demonstrated results that have not been addressed in prior research. This paper enriches one’s understanding of how Chinese firms have been deliberately seeking their own distinctive trajectories of developing strategy and innovation dissimilar to those of advanced economy companies, given the peculiar cultural background and institutional systems. Future research trends and opportunities are also outlined.

Cross-cultural communication imperatives

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 170-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Baba Abugre
Keyword(s):  
Business Environment ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Cultural Communication ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Staff ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Sub Saharan

Purpose Given the rising expansion of Western multinational companies (MNCs) to the African contexts, the development of expatriates and local employees has become increasingly important to the human resource management of these MNCs. This paper aims to provide critical lessons on cross-cultural communication competences for Western expatriates working in the sub-Saharan Africa business environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a qualitative phenomenology that makes use of lived experiences of senior expatriate staff working in Ghana in the form of direct interviews. Findings Results showed that cross-cultural communication competence is very important for Western expatriates’ functioning in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings also established a plethora of cross-cultural communication skills that are essential for Western expatriates’ successful adaptation and work outcomes in Africa. Practical implications This research argues that there is the need for the appreciations of the differing cultural patterns of expatriates and local staff, and this provides the underlying assumptions of intercultural and cross-cultural communication in global business. Originality/value A critical perspective of international business that has scarcely been studied offers lessons for Western expatriates working in sub-Saharan Africa.

Adapting the scrum methodology for establishing the dynamic inter-organizational collaboration

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 852-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Mollahoseini Ardakani ◽  
Seyyed Mohsen Hashemi ◽  
Mohammadreza Razzazi
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Incremental Method ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Project Life Cycle ◽  
Modern Business ◽  
Project Life

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an applicable method for establishing the dynamic inter-organizational collaborations (DIOCs) based on the scrum methodology. Design/methodology/approach The scrum methodology embedded within the context of the DIOC project life cycle was used and adapted to being usable with specific characteristics of the project. Findings In order to succeed in the highly competitive, dynamic and changing business environments, the organizations need to change their view of business practices. The transition from the traditional status of manufacturing to the inter-organizational collaborations can be one of the fundamental changes in the modern business management. The proposed method has the capability to establish DIOCs effectively and efficiently whilst guaranteeing agility, competitiveness, and risk timely management. Originality/value Establishing collaborative alliances via association of various experienced and professional organizations and producing the value-added market’s need services is an effective and efficient solution for survival of SMEs in the current competitive, dynamic and changing business environment. So far, different frameworks, reference models/architectures, and many theoretical discussions have been presented for DIOCs context, but these representations are conceptual, empirical and generic. This paper aims to propose an applicable iterative and incremental method for establishing the DIOC which guarantees the agility and risk timely management of the establishment process and promotes competitiveness of partners.

A bibliometric review of International Marketing Review (IMR): past, present, and future

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naveen Donthu ◽  
Satish Kumar ◽  
Debidutta Pattnaik ◽  
Neeraj Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Export Performance ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
International Marketing ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bibliographic Data ◽  
Bibliometric Review

PurposeThe primary objective of this endeavour is to form a retrospective overview of the International Marketing Review (IMR) and map its way forward.Design/methodology/approachA range of bibliometric techniques has been employed to analyse the performance of IMR and its stakeholders, map the evolution of its thematic and intellectual structures and analyse the factors driving IMR's academic influence and impactFindingsIMR's academic contributions, influence and impact have grown progressively. The thematic structure of the journal has evolved into six clusters. Simultaneously, its research fronts have submerged to six bibliographic clusters, noted as marketing channels, cross-cultural impact on emerging markets, export performance, country of origin (COO), online consumers and global business environment. Among these, the first four are still evolving, suggesting scope for future submissions.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this endeavour largely arises from its selection of bibliographic data being confined to Scopus.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first objective assessment of the journal, useful to its authors, readers, reviewers and editorial board.

scholarly journals Judaism and Jewish Business Practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Samuel L. Dunn ◽  
Joshua D. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Business Professionals ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Jewish Culture ◽  
Multiple Cultures ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
History Of ◽  
Business Professional

Today’s global business environment is extremely diverse. With the business tools and resources that are available today, organizations of any size can create a global footprint easier than ever before. Today’s business professionals must be educated and trained in how to effectively interact with multiple cultures in order to successfully navigate the global business environment. Knowledge, acceptance, and appreciation of various cultures along with a fervent understanding of business practices in various cultures is required of the 21st century global business professional. This paper focuses on Jewish culture and how it manifests itself through Jewish business practices. The purpose of this paper is to give the reader a basic understanding of the principal branches of Judaism, a history of Judaism, an explanation of Jewish beliefs, and an introduction to Jewish business practices in hopes that further study will be elicited.

scholarly journals Early contractor involvement approaches in public project procurement

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 355-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulos Abebe Wondimu ◽  
Ali Hosseini ◽  
Jadar Lohne ◽  
Ola Laedre
Keyword(s):  
Success Factors ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Public Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Treat All ◽  
First Time ◽  
Project Procurement ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose Early contractor involvement (ECI) faces many barriers when it is implemented in public procurement, given that it is different from traditional business practices. Primarily, public owners face a major challenge, as they should treat all bidders equally. The purpose of this paper is to explore suitable ECI approaches that public owners could use. Design/methodology/approach In addition to a literature and document study, 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews with key personnel from 11 cases selected from Norwegian public bridge projects were carried out. Findings In all, 23 unique approaches of ECI were identified during this research (16 from literature and 7 new from case projects). The findings provide a new direction to ECI through introducing new approaches of ECI from the case projects. Originality/value This paper for the first time presents several alternatives of ECI approaches for public owners with the intention of illustrating ECI is actually possible in the public project procurement. Furthermore, it presents for the first time success factors of ECI with the intention of increasing the understanding of ECI concept from a public procurement perspective.

Conceptualizing trust with cultural perspective in international business operations

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 1099-1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mian Ajmal ◽  
Petri Helo ◽  
Rassel Kassem
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Global Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Building Process

Purpose The growing international landscape of business has underlined the significance of multiculturalism and the novel challenges it brings to business implementation. The purpose of this paper is to draw attention of the readers toward how trust can be conceptualized and how trust-building process is affected in global business environments where more and more projects and businesses come into operation. Design/methodology/approach This research employs intensive literature review to conceptualize trust and develop a model of culture effects for trust building in global business environment. However, this study is presently explanatory in nature because no empirical evidence is provided. Findings Culture is a significant factor in building trust among global project stakeholders for the reason that trust is vital for developing a well-functioning long-term business relationship. The study highlighted that cultural differences among project teams can cause conflict, misunderstanding, and poor project performance. Research limitations/implications Future empirical research should investigate various scenarios, types of projects, cultures, and countries. Cultural issues are pretty sensitive, which have immediate association with trust-building process among international project stakeholders. Diminutive systematic research has been done on the cultural effects for trust building in international business context. The probe of how culture affects trust building efforts in global business environments remains unrequited. Originality/value This study adds value by creating awareness in the research community for undertaking a detailed and comprehensive research on this topic, and because of its originality, it serves as a foundation for future studies.

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