Asian Eclipse: Exposing the Dark Side of Business in Asia

Michael Bäckmann

ISBN 10: 0471835536 / ISBN 13: 9780471835530

Published by John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1999

Leichte Kratzer / Abnutzungen / Druckstellen. Conducting business in Asia often involves navigating a landscape filled with cronies, corruption, and conglomerates, as highlighted by author Michael Backman. In his exploration, he unveils the pervasive bribery and corruption within the Eastern corporate world. By examining the essence of "Asianness," he reveals a complex business culture influenced by Confucian values, where bankruptcy is seen as a dishonor to ancestors, and the media faces threats for covering sensitive topics. Patriarchal management and nepotism dominate, frequently leading to costly family disputes, while concepts like auditing and corporate governance are still emerging. Through a detailed analysis of various Asian markets, Backman exposes the structural flaws that precipitated the economic crises of 1997-1998, arguing that the real "miracle" is that such a collapse didn't occur sooner. This comprehensive work serves as an essential guide for anyone interested in Asian business, yet remains accessible to general readers. Each chapter concludes with insightful case studies that shed light on dubious corporate practices in the region, including notable instances involving President Soeharto and contributors to Clinton's 1996 campaign. Backman's firsthand experiences enrich the narrative, showcasing his extensive knowledge gained from years spent in Asia. Seller Inventory # 4a6116df-905e-47a0-8334-73396feb2a29

Synopsis:

The recent downturn in the Asian economies has been blamed on many different factors. In this work, Michael Backman analyzes a number of dubious business practices that are endemic in the region and which he believes have played a significant part in Asia's downfall. Among the problems he identifies are cronyism, a corrupt business media, inadequate legal protection, questionable business practices by the big six accounting firms in Asia, and political patronage (including a revealing account of the Lippo Group's donations to Bill Clinton's campaign funds). He concludes with a discussion of whether Asia has learnt its lesson and an assessment of how far recent legislation will go to wipe out corruption.

Review: "Asia can be a crazy place" and conducting business in this region often means "grappling with cronies, corruption and conglomerates" according to author Michael Backman. In his book, Asian Eclipse, he takes us over the proverbial "Chinese wall" to reveal the bribery and corruption rife in the Eastern corporate world.

Delving into what constitutes "Asianess", he exposes a highly complex corporate landscape--one where Confucian thinking pervades all aspects of business culture; bankruptcy is considered an affront to one's ancestors; the media are threatened with closure for reporting on "sensitive" issues; patriarchal management and nepotism are the norm, often ending in costly family disputes; and auditing and corporate governance are new concepts! Through a thorough analysis of the different Asian markets, he lays bare the structurally inherent flaws that led to widespread economic crises in 1997-98. In his view, "the real Asian 'miracle' is that the economic collapse didn't happen earlier."

Packed with detail this book should be the bible for anyone considering doing business in Asia, but is also accessible to the lay reader. The chapters end with excellent case-studies which provide rare and fascinating insights into some of the more shady corporate practices in the region, including President Suharto's ventures, and also the contributors to Clinton's 1996 campaign funds. Backman recounts many incidents from first-hand experience, reflecting the wealth of knowledge he has accumulated from his extensive time in Asia.--Neelam Dongha

Bibliographic Details

Title: Asian Eclipse: Exposing the Dark Side of ...
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Publication Date: 1999
Binding: Softcover
Condition: As New