Original Research
An Afro-Asian nexus: South African multinational firm experiences in Chinese labour markets – key focus areas
South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 36, No 3 | a633 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v36i3.633
| © 2018 F. Horwitz, M. Ferguson, I. Rivett, A. Lee
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 11 October 2018 | Published: 30 September 2005
Submitted: 11 October 2018 | Published: 30 September 2005
About the author(s)
F. Horwitz, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South AfricaM. Ferguson, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
I. Rivett, Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
A. Lee, Faculty of Business Administration, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Full Text:
PDF (109KB)Abstract
This exploratory study examines perspectives of multinational corporations (MNCs) from South Africa (SA) in respect of the variables considered important in product and labour markets in China. These include how MNCs first interpret and understand cultural, human capital, regulatory factors and employment practices, before considering how they might adapt to or seek to influence them. A survey of thirteen SA firms operating or trading in these markets and interviews with South Africans who had undertaken exploratory assignments in China, were done. Key factors were identified and evaluated based on relevant literature and research. The following six focus areas were found to be important for business effectiveness in this market: understanding its market complexity, importance of joint venture partners, guanxi relationship networks, human capital, language and culture, and regulatory environment.
Keywords
No related keywords in the metadata.
Metrics
Total abstract views: 1637Total article views: 657
Crossref Citations
1. Future HRM challenges for multinational firms in Eastern and Central Europe
Frank M. Horwitz
Human Resource Management Journal vol: 21 issue: 4 first page: 432 year: 2011
doi: 10.1111/j.1748-8583.2011.00185.x