Managers and Mandarins in Contemporary China

This study explores the question as to whether the way in which Chinese management handles conflict is fundamentally different from elsewhere or much the same. It does so by examining in detail an international joint venture construction project, where managers rooted in contrasting business systems were brought together, and by showing how the project progressed over time, how various conflict situations arose, and how they were handled. In addition, the book provides an in-depth account of the inner workings of the Chinese business world, touching on issues such as:

• differing international standards and management procedures
• the peculiarities of Chinese red tape
• paternalism and nepotism
• the limits on contract in contemporary China
• the involvement of local officials.

Of interest to scholars and managers alike, this study benefits from the unparalleled access the author secured to all the parties involved. Working alongside managers as a participant observer, Jie Tang uses the fine detail of ethnography to convey a vivid impression of the lives of managers in China today and the forces with which they have to contend.