Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction -- 2. Managing horizontal information flows in Japan -- 3. Managing with charismatic leadership in Korea -- 4. Managing the boundaries of the firm in Qing and Nationalist China -- 5. Managing the Chinese firm in Hong Kong and Taiwan -- 6. Managing relations with state agencies in the People's Republic -- 7. Managing under the guidance of a strong state in Southeast Asia -- 8. Managing cash flow in the bamboo networks : overseas Chinese and the Singapore system -- 9. Managing cultural diversity in Southeast Asia -- App. Tao Zhu-gong : the twelve business principles, the twelve business pitfalls, and the sixteen business lessons.

"Asian Firms compares Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian management structures and sets them in their historical and institutional context. Based on a wide range of interviews and material drawn from a variety of disciplines, the argument is framed by the sayings of the legendary strategist Sun Tzu and the renowned businessman Tao Zhu-gong. A series of case studies illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the approaches of managers in each of the national traditions. Asian Firms asks in each case what Western managers can learn from Asian firms, and what Asian firms can learn from each other." "With a multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on practical lessons and tools, the book will be of great use and interest for managers. It will also appeal to students and researchers of international business, postgraduate management students in courses with a comparative or Asian emphasis as well as academics and researchers of Asian studies."--BOOK JACKET.