Management training and education in the People's Republic of China

Management education and training is an important means of improving the competence of managerial personnel in any economy, and managerial talent is a necessary condition for successful economic development. From the beginning of the open door policy, the People's Republic of China has recognized this need. However, ideological road-blocks, a rather narrow interpretation of modern management, absence of a consistent national policy on managerial education and training and lack of qualified faculty have stifled the development of managerial talent. The worsening fate of the state-owned enterprises has been linked to a shortage of qualified managerial personnel and that shortage continues to be a key operational concern for foreign companies establishing operations in China. This paper traces and describes the historical development of management education and training in the PRC, and explains the current state of affairs. An analysis of political, structural, policy and attitude issues leads to the conclusion that problems remain which could severely hamper China's continued programme of economic reform.