Leveraging knowledge in China: the experience of a foreign entrepreneur
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the observations of an Italian expatriate who has made China his home. It provides insights into the reasons he has been successful, which will help western firms learn how to better do business with the Chinese.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based off an intensive interview with a Western entrepreneur.
Findings
This paper reviews the case of JESA industrial limited featuring comments and the perspective of its expatriate founder as he leads the further evolution of JESA from roots as an industrial market research and outsourcing consultancy focusing primarily on small and medium sized enterprises in Italy, to one that combines western and Chinese knowledge and experience with technical expertise and competency to serve a growing base of western businesses and Chinese expatriates.
Originality/value
This study is original in that it provides insight from the perspective of a successful business person who has gone through the process of integrating into the Chinese business world. Linkages are made to other studies, and literature. The paper helps foreign executives in small, medium, and large enterprises understand some of the nuances involved in doing business in and with China from the perspective of a successful western expatriate.
Keywords
Citation
Lightfoot, W.S. and Almeida, J. (2007), "Leveraging knowledge in China: the experience of a foreign entrepreneur", Journal of Technology Management in China, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 177-188. https://doi.org/10.1108/17468770710756112
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited