Leveraging knowledge in China: the experience of a foreign entrepreneur

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to present the observations of an Italian expatriate who has made China his home. It provides insights into the reasons he has been successful, which will help western firms learn how to better do business with the Chinese. Design/methodology/approach -This paper is based off an intensive interview with a Western entrepreneur. Findings -This paper reviews the case of JESA industrial limited featuring comments and the perspective of its expatriate founder as he leads the further evolution of JESA from roots as an industrial market research and outsourcing consultancy focusing primarily on small and medium sized enterprises in Italy, to one that combines western and Chinese knowledge and experience with technical expertise and competency to serve a growing base of western businesses and Chinese expatriates. Originality/value -This study is original in that it provides insight from the perspective of a successful business person who has gone through the process of integrating into the Chinese business world. Linkages are made to other studies, and literature. The paper helps foreign executives in small, medium, and large enterprises understand some of the nuances involved in doing business in and with China from the perspective of a successful western expatriate.

Building Blocks for Chinese SMEs to Enter the Global Market: The Roles of Upstream Knowledge and Downstream Channel Infrastructure

“…This attribute may constitute an internal barrier for Chinese SMEs to expand in the global market. Other culture related barriers include cultural differences, lack of communication, and different objectives which often lead to failure for many Sino-foreign cooperation projects (Lightfoot and Almeida 2007). When a firm enters the foreign market, it must first understand the other culture (Ward and Rana-Deuba 1999) and then adapt their management style to fit with the local culture (Osland et al 1999).…”

Breaking into China's design and construction market

“…In addition, foreign design and construction management firms should implement the "learning by doing principle". This means when operating in China, they should carry out regular reflections on what went well and what went not so well, they should also develop and leverage their insight knowledge and skills to adapt themselves to the changing opportunities in the Chinese market (Lightfoot and Almeida, 2007).…”