Book Review: Managing the Dragon

I just finished Jack Perkowski’s new book: Managing the Dragon,.  I must say, I really liked it.  Of all the China business books I’ve read, I’d rank Jack’s book close to the top.  Probably #2 after China Inc., which I think is a better written book, editorially. 

The first half of Jack’s book is a candid record of how he built ASIMCO in China.  Since I’ve read Tim Clissford’s book Mr. China, I was somewhat familiar with the JV fallout and other obstables.  What I found very interesting were his analyses towards the back of the book. 

Some of the topics he addressed were:

1. Decentralization and China’s Local Governments – Beijing has less control than you think. 
2. China’s different cost perspective – Adjust your mindset.  Do not convert RMB into US$.
3. China’s two markets – The local and global markets in China will merge.  Something to watch out.
4. Learning Mandarin – Learning the language is overrated.  Unless you can become business fluent. 
5. China management strategy – Most important to develop a local management team.  But at the start, you need to send a senior member from your team (Mandarin speaking should not be key criteria here).   

Since Jack’s still running ASIMCO, his thoughts are particularly relevant for today.  His last Chapter, “Where is it all headed”  summarizes the state of China today.