University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	Sept. 9, 1998
Contact: David Beasley, 956-2691

Center for Chinese Studies hosts business seminar   The UH Center for Chinese Studies is sponsoring a lecture/seminar by Yadong Luo, professor in the College of Business Administration (CBA), at noon Sept. 23. The lecture, "Organizational Dynamics and Guanxi Networks in China," will be held at the Tokioka Room in Moore Hall Room 319. It is free and open to the public. Guanxi, or interpersonal relations, is an important cultural and social element in China. Chinese firms develop guanxi as a strategic mechanism to overcome competitive and resource disadvantages by cooperating and exchanging favors with competitive forces and government authorities. The presentation focuses on the development of guanxi and its impact on Chinese businesses. Guanxi in general leads to higher firm performance, but it is limited to increased sales growth with little impact on operational efficiency. It also benefits firms in their market expansion and competitive positioning, but not in their enhancing internal operations. Luo received his BS in accounting and MBA from the University of International Business and Economics and his PhD in Strategy and International Business from Temple University. A faculty member in the CBA's Department of Management and Industrial Relations, he teaches strategic management and global management of technology. Luo is a referee for several international business and management journals and has served as a provincial official in charge of foreign direct investment and import/export administration in China. He is also a member of the Academy of Management, Academy of International Business and Strategic Management Society

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