Born again? The ethics and efficacy of the conversion experience in contemporary management development

Article Abstract:

This article notes how a religious tone has seeped into the discourse of contemporary management development. This religious analogy is explored through the evangelical Christian notion of 'conversion' and radical personal change. The expansion of such a mind-set into contemporary management thinking is related to the revival of the charismatic form of authority, in the writing of popular management gurus, such as Tom Peters. The search for new forms of ethical and social cohesion is considered. Next, this framework is applied to management development, with particular reference to one fairly mainstream, if intensive, programme. Through quotes from the managers involved, we illustrate how this programme employed emotional experience to remould individual personality and hence corporate culture in a way that mimics the religious conversion process. Finally, we question both whether a large involuntary business organization has an ethical right to claim the 'souls' of its managers, and whether this is likely to be a realizable goal, in any case. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Analysis, Work environment, Religion, Religious aspects, Management development programs, Conversion (Religion), Religion in the workplace, Conversion

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Time-based experience and international expansion: the case of an emerging economy

Article Abstract:

Building on the organizational learning theory and international expansion process model, this paper examines the effect of time-based experience on multidimensional performance including return on equity, sales growth, competitive position, and asset efficiency of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in an emerging economy (the People's Republic of China). The analysis, based on a recent survey of FIEs in China, demonstrates that time-based experience has a significantly positive effect on overall and individual dimensions of performance of FIEs. The underlying link between time-based experience and multidimensional performance is, however, moderated by the cultural distance between the host and home countries. Moreover, time-based experience moderates the positive impact of resource contributions, market commitment, and strategic innovativeness on venture performance. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Administration of General Economic Programs, Intnl Economic Policy, Research, Economic aspects, Developing countries, International economic relations, International economic integration, Economic integration

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Structural changes to foreign direct investment in China: an evolutionary perspective

Article Abstract:

Fundamental structural changes experienced by multinational corporations with foreign direct investment in China were examined from an evolutionary perspective. An analysis of macro-level data showed that foreign investors follow an evolutionary approach in gradually increasing their resource and financial investments as well as their proactiveness and risk-taking in China. Foreign investors are also undergoing structural changes such as multiple-entry modes, multiple-market presence, multiple-industry investments and multiple-unit operations.

Management, Foreign operations, Foreign investments, International business enterprises, Multinational corporations

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