ABSTRACT

As China has blended market reforms with comprehensive industrial policies, most research has focused on the national government's strategies for economic growth. However, one of the unique characteristics of industrial policy in China is that it involves government intervention at all levels, from the political elite all the way down to village leaders.

This book focuses on the domestic appliance industry, and China's three major business groups in this area - Haier, Hisense and Aucma. The Haier Group, in particular, is one of the most successful and competitive enterprises in China and is very well-placed to compete globally as the Chinese economy becomes more integrated with the world trading system. This volume shows how industrial policy is formulated at the national level and implemented at the local level, and examines how local government frequently intervenes in local enterprises' business strategy and management.

Of practical importance, this book provides academics, business people and policy makers with valuable insights into the development process and a concrete understanding of the challenges faced in the global business revolution by one of the world's most dynamic economies.