The Dynamics of Corporate Co-evolution - A Case Study of Port Development in China (Paperback)

This fascinating, close range look at the co-evolution of a Chinese joint venture port operator and the dynamic political and economic environment in which it is embedded demonstrates yet again that in the right hands, theory and practice can and do inform and infuse each other. In the haystack of contemporary China books, this is a precious needle.' - Oded Shenkar, Ohio State University, US'This work is an excellent example of a joint business-academic collaboration on telling the story of how a major business evolved successfully with its environment - an environment in which most businesses have found it difficult to operate and most researchers have found it a challenge to explain. Through meticulous research, the research team explains with solid facts and strong theory how a business influenced its highly complex and ambiguous political environment through developing strategic relationships. This project is a model for conducting relevant research that the management field desperately needs. It is exemplary of engaged scholarship that merges the best of scholarship and practice. Both academics and executives will find this book a treasure of ideas.' - Anne Tsui, Arizona State University, US 'The Dynamics of Corporate Co-evolution provides an excellent exploration of co-evolution from the perspective of power relations within a hierarchical system. It is relevant not only to firms working within a political environment, but also useful for people working in think tanks and policy analysis. Its treatment of relationship management has universal implications.' - Huijiong Wang, The State Council, PRC Offering insights of unusual richness, this book examines one of the world's most important business environments to determine the way that organizations can develop through interaction with their environments. It fills a gap in our understanding of the evolution of the Chinese business environment and throws light on the theory of co-evolution in order to inspire management practice. Written on the basis of a collaboration between a leading business manager and renowned university scholars, this groundbreaking book makes a significant contribution both to theory and practice of competitive strategy. Contents: Part I: Introduction, Perspective and Method 1. Introduction 2. The Co-evolutionary Perspective 3. Research Design and Methodology Part II: Environment, Evolution and Managerial Initiative 4. Yantian Port and its Changing Environment 5. The Evolution of a World-Class Port 6. Innovations in Management Practice 7. Relationship Management - Creating a Relational Framework Part III: Co-evolution: Theory and Practice 8. Forms of Co-evolution 9. The Political Dynamics of Corporate Co-evolution 10. Lessons for Managers Operating in a Complex Environment Index