Executive Interviews: Interview with Fang Lee Cooke on The China Factor
November 2007 - By Dr. Nagendra V Chowdary

Dr. Fang Lee Cooke
Full Professor of HRM and Chinese Studies at Manchester Business School
University of Manchester.

1. The growing inequality in employment along the gender and urban/rural divide.
2. Public sector reformand the role of the state as employer.
3. Pay systems and newtrends in pay practices.
4. Vocational and enterprise training systems.
5. Private small business management.
6. Employment regulations and labor protection.
7. The role of multinationals in the evolution of HR practices.

HRM, Work and Employment in China explores, through a combination of rigorous empirical research and secondary data analysis, the distinct incentives and pressures facing different sectors and ownership forms in shaping their human resource strategies. It draws attention to the considerable similarity in the problems faced by both China and the developed economies in an increasingly globalized economic environment. This book is a valuable resource to anyone with an interest in Chinese society, Asian studies, comparative studies, human resource management, international business and employment relations.

My forthcoming book is Competition, Strategy and Management in China, to be published in 2008 by Palgrave. The book outlines major sources of competition and change in an exceptional business environment. It analyzes China's changing identity as a foreign investor and economic powerhouse and insights on the managerial issues faced by Chinese enterprises including strategic management, international alliance management, human resource management,marketing, protection of intellectual property rights, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility.

• Suddenly, BRIMC (Brazil, Russia, India, Mexico and China) economies seem to be hogging the global economic limelight. What is it that makes these countries and other emerging economies standout?
  These countries have their competitive strengths that are increasingly attractive to western firms. These emerging economies have plenty of resources (natural and human) which can be acquired much more cheaply than in theWest as well as a huge potentialmarket forWestern firms that are keen to drive business cost down on the one hand, and need to develop new markets on the other. The explosive growth of their economies (especially, the Chinese and Indian economies) will also change the structure of global competition and the position of national bargaining power in the international political arena. Hence, themedia attention to these countries! It is worth pointing out that each emerging economy has its unique strengths and comparative advantages. They offer different things and experiences to the world. They cannot be treated as one generic category.

• Why do you think 'The China Factor' evokes such an interest across the globe? How significant is this for the global economy and global corporations?
  China has always been an important part of the world in its political, economic and cultural exchanges with other nations. It has become more attractive to theworld in the last three decades due to its unprecedented economic growth and significant social change following the open up of its economy. China has much to offer to the world, like many other countries do. What multinational corporations need to do is to work out a strategic plan of how they should take advantage of what China has to offer and exploit the opportunities. Their activities can also bring benefits to China that will help its further development and enrich the lives of its people.

• Do you think this excitement is a case of irrational exuberance or overdue optimism?
  I don't think this excitement is a case of irrational exuberance or overdue optimism. The world of business and social life is changing. Consumers are now more demanding, they want more goods and services at a lower cost, in a shorter time frame, with more information. They are also hankering for the rest of the world through travel, dietary, fashion and entertainment experiences. China, being a country with a long and interesting history and rich cultures, offers great opportunities for businesses to meet these demands. The reaction of the world to China is an exciting one, but it is not irrational. It reflects the world's recognition and increasing understanding of China's achievement in recent decades. It is also a vote of confidence to China from people in different parts of the world. Iwish to point outhere that it is not just China which is gaining much attention. Other countries, such as India, have also been making significant achievements in recent years and have caught the attention of the world too!

1. Google's Problems in China Case Study
2. ICMR Case Collection
3. Case Study Volumes