10 Books on China Every MBA Student Should Read

China has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Even Europe’s debt crisis has been unable to hinder it, and in fact it has been growing, despite the financial turmoil entangling its western neighbors. If you’re one of many in the business community drooling over the yuan to be made off a population of 1.3 billion people, it would behoove you to do your homework first about the ins and outs of working with and in China. Read these 10 books that will fill you in on everything your MBA profs left out about working with the Far East.

1. The China Executive: Marrying Western and Chinese Strengths to Generate Profitability from Your Investment in China

   This book by Dr. Wei Wang bills itself as being particularly effective for MBA students. Wang brings his knowledge of both Western and Asian cultures to bear so that you can effectively communicate with your Chinese partners, because “people are central to everything.” In three parts, he explains how to create a successful partnership, understanding and incorporating “the Chinese way,” and making your venture successful.

2. China Streetsmart: What You MUST Know to be Effective and Profitable in China

   MBA school taught you how foreign markets should work in theory; China Streetsmart is designed to show you what doing business in China is like in the real world. The book offers real-life case studies of companies to help you avoid their mistakes, as well as practical, in-depth instructions on everything from integrating employees’ families to dealing with corruption, based on John Chan’s 15 years of experience conducting business in China.

3. Doing Business in China For Dummies

   It might be cliche to use a Dummies book, but it also might be the thing that keeps you from horribly offending a potential Chinese investor. Intended to give you the “nuts and bolts” of partnering with China, it enlightens you on matters of currency, etiquette, government relations, and much more. Like, did you know it is a major faux pas to leave your chopsticks in your bowl pointing up because it is symbolic of a headstone?

4. One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China

   For a decidedly less rosy take on expanding your enterprise to China, check out this book from former Wall Street Journal China bureau chief James McGregor. McGregor draws on his 20 years of experience as a journalist and businessman to bring you the lowdown on how to survive in the high-risk, high-reward frontier of the Wild East. While some of the lessons are geared towards helping readers do big business, everyone can learn from his insights about understanding the mentality of Chinese businesspeople.

5. The Party: The Secret World of China’s Communist Rulers

   If you’re the kind of person who leaves nothing to chance when it comes to business, The Party is a book you’ll want to investigate. It’s the result of Financial Times reporter Richard McGregor’s thoroughly-researched study of the role the communist government plays in all areas of life in China, including the business community. Critics praise it as a fascinating read for anyone interested in knowing more about America’s biggest rival in the new world order.

6. China Shakes the World: A Titan’s Rise and Troubled Future — and the Challenge for America

   Some might call James Krynge’s work pessimistic, but “realistic” is more accurate. The former head of the Financial Times China bureau points to weak spots like the distressed environment, depleting natural resources, and widespread corruption in China as reasons for American businesses to exercise caution. He also delves into the people driving China’s rise and how this new economic giant will jive with Western capitalism.

7. Mr. China: A Memoir

   Apparently there is such a thing as “business fiction.” Tim Clissold’s hilarious book is based on the true story of his time spent as the point man for a multi-million dollar business venture in China. The comedy of errors includes missteps like taking American investors to a Chinese condom factory. The time period is a bit dated, but the lessons contained here are still as profound and relevant as ever.

8. China CEO: Voices of Experience from 20 International Business Leaders

   Authors Juan Antonio Fernandez and Laurie Underwood bring you priceless business advice straight from the horse’s mouth. China CEO features interviews with nearly two dozen top execs from major companies operating in China, including GE, GM, Coca-Cola, and Sony. They tell you how they tackled problems like dealing with competitors, patent infringement, and workforce shortages, as well as personal issues like helping your family transition to life in Asia.

9. The Chinese Tao of Business: The Logic of Successful Business Strategy

   Three Ph.Ds teamed up to give business managers a history lesson on the legal and ethical roots of Chinese strategies. Readers are also treated to some engaging and often funny true stories of business dealings in China. You may have a tougher time getting through the heavier stuff about patent protection, but it is a commonly-encountered problem in the country that has created many a headache for Western companies, so pay attention.

10. Poorly Made in China: An Insider’s Account of the China Production Game

    In this roundly-acclaimed 2011 book, Paul Midler reveals the Chinese penchant for cutting corners in manufacturing in order to widen profit margins. It’s an entertaining but sobering behind-the-scenes look at a range of industries that Midler has encountered in his nearly 20 years in the country. Anyone considering making a deal for supplies from China should definitely read this book first.

Taken From Online MBA