Doing business in China: Challenges and opportunities

Though increasingly attractive to Western investors, China can be a daunting environment in which to start a business because of the opacity of the cultural norms and a growing sense of nationalism. An analysis of 20 years of research and local experiences highlights the modern entrepreneurial spirit that currently co‐exists with complex, traditional values in China. By better understanding the nuances of these traditions and the context in which they are most commonly manifested, Western businesspeople can foster the good relations and engagement needed to assure the success of their ventures.