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Challenges for foreign companies in China: implications for research and practice

Author

Listed:
  • Fabian Jintae Froese

    (Chongqing Technology and Business University
    University of Göttingen)

  • Dylan Sutherland

    (Durham University)

  • Jeoung Yul Lee

    (Chongqing Technology and Business University
    Hongik University)

  • Yipeng Liu

    (University of Reading)

  • Yuan Pan

    (University of Göttingen)

Abstract

As a large country with great development potential, China has been one of the most popular foreign direct investment destinations. However, foreign companies increasingly face a variety of challenges especially during the “soft-landing” of the Chinese economy and amidst anti-globalization tendency. Based on a comprehensive review of the extant literature, we provide a critical overview of some of the key challenges for foreign companies in China, focusing on two challenges related to the business environment, namely regulatory and cultural challenges, and two management challenges, namely innovation and human resource management. We provide managerial implications and outline directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabian Jintae Froese & Dylan Sutherland & Jeoung Yul Lee & Yipeng Liu & Yuan Pan, 2019. "Challenges for foreign companies in China: implications for research and practice," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(4), pages 249-262, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:18:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1057_s41291-019-00084-0
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-019-00084-0
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