ASIAN MIND GAME

Rating:
Summary: An interesting read
Review: Chin-ning Chu's book is a must if you want to make it work if you travel to Asia, especially China. What to expect, how things work, the mind of those you will be trading with.

Chu's purpose in writing this book is the averting of what she would see to be a potential trade war between east and west. Can it be avoided, she thinks yes.

Having grown up in mainland China near the north, near Korea and living in Taiwan for years, a country with Japanese influence, she relates the expectations and approaches these cultures have. The differences and similarities.

Since she is an Asian, from Asia, with upbringing in these cultures, she can talk about it withtout ramifications. I recommend this to anyone working for or with an Asian company.

Rating:
Summary: Succeeding in Asian Trade
Review: Chin-ning Chu's book is a must if you want to make it work if you travel to Asia, especially China. What to expect, how things work, the mind of those you will be trading with.

Chu's purpose in writing this book is the averting of what she would see to be a potential trade war between east and west. Can it be avoided, she thinks yes.

Having grown up in mainland China near the north, near Korea and living in Taiwan for years, a country with Japanese influence, she relates the expectations and approaches these cultures have. The differences and similarities.

Since she is an Asian, from Asia, with upbringing in these cultures, she can talk about it withtout ramifications. I recommend this to anyone working for or with an Asian company.

Rating:
Summary: Oh Please
Review: Ching Ning reveals the phylosophy and thinking behind the asian mind. Having done business in asia for several years, i often refer back to this book-reminding me a situations that I often encounter and how to overcome them. The western mind needs assistance in dealing with the eastern mind which differs so much in culture, language and way of thinking. This is a must read for anyone wanting understand how asians think and how to do business with them.

Rating:
Summary: Open your mind and understand many Asians
Review: I have worked in Korea, Vietnam and Singapore and this book has done more to enlighten me to the multi-faceted aspects of working with Asians than almost all other sources combined. Chu Chin-Ning's explanations with numerous examples from Chinese and Asian history do a lot to explain and reinforce the concepts. But I must say that though the first third of the book is important and good stuff, it is a little hard to get "past" all "36 Strategies" or "proverbs" of Chinese war. But enjoy each one as they only pick up speed -- and those 36 "strategies" affect almost all Asian minds, educated or not.

Rating:
Summary: Perpetuation of myth and stereotype
Review: I lived and worked in Asia for over 8 years. Fortunately, I read it years ago while still there. I found this an invaluable aid. Ms. Chu does a remarkable job in explaining the subtle differences between the various cultures to the Western mind. I wrote this today because once again, I have recommended it to a work group that has interest in Asia. It is timeless.

Rating:
Summary: Revealing the hidden Asian secret
Review: If you like "What they don't teach you at Harvard Business School", then you shouldn't give this book a miss. "The Asian Mind Game" takes you through an intriguing journey into the Asian's mindset and prepare you for the shock you will encounter in your business dealings with Asians. Verdict: Must read. From:Alan Koo Teck Chye Address:75-C Rose Garden Amber Road Singapore 439889 Tel: [phone]

Rating:
Summary: High Entertainment Value
Review: OK, this is NOT a recommended title, but I couldn't resistsaying a few words about it here because of its high entertainmentvalue. For 15 years now I have consulted for US companies entering the Japanese market. So naturally I paid close attention to the chapters on Japan. They were very entertaining. They read like the script from a Mr Bad Guy in a 007 movie... Check out the prose, too: "A Japanese samurai worker produces in one day what it takes an American worker two days to produce. To the western world the Japanese stress the importance of free trade because they know that the western worker is no match for the Japanese samurai worker" (p. 125). .. The final section contains precious specific advice such as "respect local culture" and "develop long term objectives". One of the deepest pieces of timeless advise is that "if you drop your chopstick in Asia it means good luck". I guarantee you won't know a thing about doing business in Japan after reading this book, but you may be amused reading it. ... it seems that a ticket to Austin Powers may represent better value. END

Rating:
Summary: An interesting read
Review: This is a frank discussion of the Oriental mind-set by an Oriental living in the US. I found the historic context quite fascinating. I had heard about the "The Art of War" and it was nice to get some background as well as a summary. I particulary liked the historic illustrations of use of the strategies.

Insights into business etiquette, social hierarchy and what to be aware of in each of the regions is given.

Since the book was written (1990) the economic miracle of Japan has stalled, so it would be interesting to get an update as to how the attitudes of workers may have changed in the intervening period where job security is no longer assured.