| Abstract: | This article develops a distinctive Chinese management model called “Web-based Chinese Management” (WCM). It is practiced in private family enterprises located in Mainland China's booming “noncommunist” business centers and in overseas Chinese firms. The model is thought to be highly effective due to its use of social capital, high degree of flexibility, and cost efficiency. However, given that it usually puts limits to the growth of the focal company, it is less effective in exploiting economies of scale in steady-state mass-production industries. With its emphasis on skill, experience, and action, it conforms to my definition of “art.” I propose WCM as a new management paradigm for the next millennium and think that it fits well into the prevailing zeitgeist of ever more interdependent networks. The framework can help international businessmen both to deal effectively with Chinese enterprises, as well as serve as “best practice” that can be emulated to master highly uncertain and complex environments. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
