ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the nature of some of non-business areas that have exerted a strong influence on Chinese entrepreneurs and business leaders. There are two things that Western senior executives or readers who take an interest in Chinese business should understand. First, China's political weight and economic influence have become so significant in the international arena that Western companies, whether they like it or not, must inevitably do business or compete with Chinese ones. Second, Chinese culture and tradition and thus strategic behaviour are markedly different from those of the West. The importance of Chinese history in understanding Chinese business, politics, philosophy, sociology and military affairs can hardly be overemphasised. The managerial practices of Chinese business leaders are influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, Legalism and even Communism. Chinese management and organisation that the reader will need in order to see Chinese business through the eyes of an insider, in addition to vital aspects of business logic and strategy in China.
