Learning from China's business leaders: lessons for troubled times

Purpose - This paper aims to promote an expanded two‐way dialog between Chinese and Western leaders and executives which recognizes that “wisdom” can flow in both directions. Design/methodology/approach - Interviews were undertaken with three Chinese executives and analyzed against a model of performance excellence. Findings - An understanding of some of the similarities and differences of Western and Chinese business practices and a conclusion that there are lessons for Western businesses to learn. Research limitations/implications - The work involved interviews with only three Chinese executives and thus represents a tiny sample. Practical implications - Illustrates some of the practices that might be worth considering by the West as we climb out of the current economic depression and re‐focus business efforts for a longer‐term future. Originality/value - The paper adopts a novel approach of analyzing interview outcomes against a reference model. The core value is, however, in highlighting the benefits that might arise from extended dialog.