The majority of Chinese businesses, both on the mainland and overseas, are family owned. This is due in part to a strong cultural belief in the family and its importance in various aspects of life, including business. By virtue of being innovative, flexible, networked, entrepreneurial, and efficient, Chinese family businesses have continued to prosper over the years and this has led to a great deal of interest in how they actually function.
Written by A. B. Susanto a notable family business practitioner and Chairman of The Jakarta Consulting Group with the help of Patricia Susanto, The Dragon Network sheds some much needed light on this subject.
Focusing on overseas Chinese family businesses, including those operating out of Southeast Asia, the authors offer an in–depth look at how these businesses are structured; which traditional Chinese values influence their family business practices; as well as how family relationships affect business management. Along the way, they also address the various challenges facing Chinese family businesses in today′s rapidly changing environment, and explore what they are doing to survive and thrive for generations to come.
Engaging and informative, The Dragon Network uses real–world cases to highlight many of the issues discussed. For example, through the story of the Indonesian herbal company Nyonya Meneer, you′ll gain valuable insights into how bitter family conflicts, that could potentially destroy a company, are managed. You′ll also discover the essential role that wives play in Chinese family businesses through Lee Kim Hua the matriarch of Genting Group, a conglomerate from Malaysia specializing in tourism, resorts, gaming, power generation, oil, and gas. Other topics covered that are integral to Chinese family business success include management style and leadership, succession planning and development, and dealing with risk.
Based on solid research and filled with informative examples, The Dragon Network offers a rare look at how Chinese family businesses have operated so effectively for so long and reveals what it will take for them to continue to do so moving forward.
Praise for The Dragon Network
“China′s economic progress is inseparable from the success of the overseas Chinese businessmen who are scattered all over the world. The authors have identified the significant characteristics of Chinese businessmen and their practice of ancient traditions and Chinese philosophy, which affect the companies′ operational systems, strategies, and management. I believe this book will inspire passion and encourage the struggle to preserve the family business style of the overseas Chinese. Professionalism must also be prioritized in order to further develop the strategies of current family businesses.”
Mochtar Riady, founder and CEO of Lippo Group; Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association
“This book contains explanations about overseas Chinese family businesses which are easy to understand by readers from any background. It provides inspiration to those who want to build their family businesses.”
Robert Sumantri, CEO of Altus Shipping and Logistics Pte Ltd
“The authors have written an extremely comprehensive and interesting book on overseas Chinese family businesses. It is an illuminating review that describes how these businesses have assimilated into their respective communities as well as how they have historically been discriminated against. Their careful examination of the role of Chinese values in developing these businesses is very important for readers who are interested in the cultural components of business. This is a fine contribution to the professional literature and is also a great read.”
Frank T. Gallo, PhD, author of Business Leadership in China and President of Calypso Consulting (www.chinacalypso.com)
“Strong family tradition and commitment, combined with characteristics such as hard work, frugality, willingness to learn, and persistence have made many overseas Chinese family businesses successful. Nevertheless, they are currently facing great challenges. The authors of this book identify those challenges and what Chinese family businesses must do to address them. There are many lessons we can learn from this book.”
Ling Chen, PhD, Professor for Family Business and Business History, Associate Dean, School of Management, Zhejiang University; Executive Director, Academy of Global Zhejiang Entrepreneurs; ZJU Director of Institute of Family Business, Zhejiang University
“Overseas Chinese family businesses are famous for their high entrepreneurial skills and spirit. However, after reading this book, I realize that these factors are not enough if you want your family business to last for generations. There is a need to adopt modern management practices, sound conflict management, and succession planning.”
Dr. Charles Saerang, President Director, PT. Nyonya Maneer
About the Author
A.B. Susanto serves as Chairman of The Jakarta Consulting Group, a leading management consultant firm in Indonesia. He is also known as one of the foremost family business consultants in Indonesia. Susanto is Dean of the Faculty of Economics at President University in Indonesia. He obtained his bachelor′s degree and master′s degree from the University of Indonesia and his doctorate degree from the University of Düsseldorf, Germany.
PATRICIA SUSANTO is the current CEO of the The Jakarta Consulting Group. She graduated with a bachelor′s degree from the University of Southern California in 1999 and continues her studies in psychology and human resources at the University of Indonesia and Griffith University, Australia. For the past ten years, she has taken an active interest in family business studies and research. As part of The Jakarta Consulting Group, Susanto has been involved in developing governance for family business in Indonesia.
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