Changing the management mindset: management style and coping with world‐class competition

Using the Chinese, family‐owned manufacturing firm as a primary example, Asian styles of management are examined in light of their ability to compete in a free‐trade environment. It is concluded that traditional, authoritarian, relationship‐based management concepts are not likely to fare well in fast‐changing global arenas. Nevertheless, a model for expanding into international markets is presented, with the realization that most Chinese‐managed firms would be advised to adopt regional rather than global strategies.