The Global Competitiveness of the Asian Firm

Twenty-one Asian and Western academics from a variety of backgrounds analyse the global competitiveness of the Asian firm in different parts of the world and at different phases of the internationalisation process. The authors discuss the influence of culture on the management system of the firm, examine the problems encountered in going abroad and adapting to the local environment, and compare the inner workings of Asian firms with those of their European competitors.

Whilst each author looks at the topic of competitiveness from a different angle, a common theme emerges: the Asian firms' emphasis on 'soft' skills, such as networking, organisational learning and sharing. This stands in sharp contrast to the economic rationality of Western firms stressing individual performance, clearly defined responsibilities and measurable results.

In setting up more and more subsidiaries overseas and employing an increasing number of Westerners, Asian firms face the challenge of adjusting their systems to the Western environment without losing their competitiveness.