As the year draws to a close, I’m seeing lots of “Best of” lists appear all over the place. I’m a big fan of these lists. They are an excellent way to take a look back at the year and focus on all the positive things the year has generated.
I mention this because Sheriden Prasso of Strategy + Business, recently did a great post (free reg.) on the best business books on China for 2010. Here they are:
- Marina Yue Zhang with Bruce W. Stening, China 2.0: The Transformation of an Emerging Superpower…and the New Opportunities;
- Peter Hessler, Country Driving: A Journey through China from Farm to Factory;
- Elizabeth C. Economy,The River Runs Black: The Environmental Challenge to China’s Future; and
- Edward Tse,The China Strategy: Harnessing the Power of the World’s Fastest-Growing Economy
Good China, Bad China
As Sheridan notes, many books on China fall into one of two camps: “good China” and “bad China. And while both approaches have sold well, neither offers the depth of understanding needed by international business people.
Deeper China
To really grasp the risk and rewards of posed by China, Sheridan suggests that we read deeper:
Rather than glossy overviews that postulate grand top-down theories, the best books about China start on the ground and probingly elevate our understanding.
I completely agree with this statement. And it goes for business books in general. I’ve read too many business books that make quantum leaps in logic and judgment without giving the reader any real information.
Sheriden then introduces this year’s selection of the best business books on China. These books delve into China’s growing technological backbone; the rapid, tendril-like growth of its nationwide highway system; the impact of its economic development on the environment; and the strategic implications of its societal transformation.”
For a more in-depth discussion of China business books, my friend Dan Harris of the China Law Blog, has a great discussion thread on the topic in the China Law Blog Group on Linked In, What are the Best English Language Books you have read on China business the Last ten years? If you have not done so already, It’s a great opportunity to join the group.
What do you think are the best business books of China for 2010?
-Santiago