This course belongs to the module B493A Doing Business in Asia. Students have to select two courses to complete this module! This course covers the economic framework conditions and business cultures of China.

Doing business in China successfully requires a thorough understanding how business is done in China! This course aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge about contextual determinants of business practice (culture, politics, society, history) and introduces exemplary reference cases. In more detail, we look at:

• The historical roots of modern China: What are structural legacies of the past? How do Chinese perceptions of history influence policies?
• The institutional setting of the Chinese economy: Frequently, the term ‘state capitalism’ is used – what does that mean? What are the main actors in the Chinese economy (state owned enterprises, family businesses etc.)?
• The political system and its ramifications in the domain of economic policy and business: What is the role of the Communist Party? What are the principal decision makers on different levels of government? How does this affect central aspects of business environment such as corporate governance?
• Culture and societal values: China represents an amazing mix of global metropolitan life and a resurgence of tradition, deeply enmeshed in her high-speed urbanization process that will continue shaping the country during the next decades. What do you we know about Chinese values today? What are implications for business, such as regarding consumer demand?
• Behavioural aspects of business practice: The Chinese are famous for networking. We look at the ‘Chinese way’ in establishing social relations in the business domain. Further, we explore Chinese organizational behaviour in companies.
• What are ‘mega-trends’ of the future affecting the outlook for Chinese business? We touch on issues such as demographic change, looming environmental crises, and the question of political stability.

The course mixes lecture parts with discussion parts and student presentations. Students prepare five readings in advance. Each reading will be presented by one student in a 15 minutes summary (determined by drawing lots). The discussion of the texts is combined with lecture sections.