Ambassador for the Asian Century

Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani says the West should lose its arrogance and the East should step up to global leadership.

India’s Lagging Financial System

The country must develop its financial system in order to keep pace with China.

China and India: The Reality Beyond the Hype

The conventional wisdom says that China is the biggest story of our time. Now, as India goes through a similar process characterized by historically high rates of growth and further integration into the global economy, it appears that the path it follows will influence the global economy and business environment. Perhaps, then, India is the next big story.

Global business leaders believe that they must have … [ Read more ]

The Economic Impact of an Aging Japan

The rapid aging of the Japanese population will dramatically reduce savings and wealth-and cut off an important supply of capital to the world.

Checking India’s Vital Signs

This series of interactive exhibits depicts the shape-and scope-of India’s remarkable economic transition and its effects on consumers and businesses and then examines some of the challenges facing the country.

Negotiating with the Complex, Imaginative Indian

The purpose of the article is to outline the way in which Indians negotiate and the difficulties that such a style may pose for North Americans. We also explore the possible strategies that the North American manager may employ in his or her interactions with the Indians. We begin by outlining some of the dominant Indian cultural values, and subsequently assess their impact on the … [ Read more ]

The Scrutable East

Valuations are linked to growth. So why are they lower in high-growth markets in Asia?

China and India: Partners in Competition

A consensus is emerging that global economic power is moving towards Asia, with India and China at the center of the region’s rise. This study looks at the evolving relationship between the two emerging powers and explores the opportunities for them to grow together, learn from one another and collaborate to overcome shared problems and achieve shared goals.

Asian and American Leadership Styles: How Are They Unique?

Business leadership is at the core of Asian economic development, says HBS professor D. Quinn Mills. As he explained recently in Kuala Lumpur, the American and Asian leadership styles, while very different, also share important similarities.

How Japanese Multinationals Work So Well

The business system of the Japanese multinational comprises five interlocking parts. This article discusses these five characteristics and their respective contributions to the success of Japanese multinational companies.

Editor’s Note: this was written in 1991, before the Japanese bubble burst. Still, I find it a brief but interesting look at the Japanese business system.

Innovation Blowback: Disruptive Management Practices from Asia

Western companies think too narrowly about the emerging world. If they aren’t careful, they may end up as defenders, not attackers.

Japan’s Coming Competitive Renaissance

Guided by the ancient philosophy of bushido, a new generation of companies is set to emerge on the global scene.

Integrating Southeast Asia’s Economies

The region is falling behind its rivals. Turning it into a true single market would boost its competitiveness and help restore its economic luster.

Asia’s Governance Challenge

Corporate governance has undoubtedly improved in Asia. Some countries-Singapore in particular-have made significant progress. The next step is to instill the new behavior, and that will take time. Many corporate leaders, investors, and regulators in Asia articulate the benefits of more effective corporate governance. But they understand that enduring reform won’t be achieved overnight and that, in the short term, many practical impediments and disincentives … [ Read more ]

The Private Equity Invasion of Japan

Ripplewood and others are shaking up a traditionally closed market.

Can Chinese Brands Make it Abroad?

The answer is yes, but it won’t be easy.

What the New Asia Means for Multinationals

Many of the Western multinationals operating in Asia have a head start when it comes to achieving the potential benefits of cross-border integration. They already have an international reach that spans the region through established subsidiaries and experience of how to adapt to local conditions. But arguably the presence many multinationals have established in Asia is more suited to prospering in yesterday’s competitive environment rather … [ Read more ]

Japanese fight for their IP rights

No longer content to be subservient and stiffed, the country’s innovators are rising up, and cashing in, with a string of ground-breaking lawsuits.

The View from the East

India’s upstart IT-services firms face their own challenges from their giant rivals in the West.

Navigating the Asian markets

The experience of doing business in Asia has been a sobering one for many MNCs – but companies can learn from the mistakes of others if they understand changing consumer behaviour and its strategic implications.