Leadership in Action: In Focus - Lessons of Experience—Chinese leaders Tackle Global Challenges

In Focus/Lessons of Experience: Chinese Leaders Tackle Global Challenges

Zhang Yi and Rola Ruohong Wei

As China continues its emergence as a major, global economic force, Chinese business leaders are facing some new and unique challenges, such as transitioning from a long history of paternalism, coping with a swift change from a planned economy to a market economy, and dealing with increasing diversity among employees. Are these executives fully prepared for the demands of a global market? And if not, how can they learn the skills required to excel in that market?

To gain some insight into the answers to these questions, we interviewed two Chinese leaders, asking them about the experiences that have helped them develop as leaders, their strategies ...