Learning to Lead in China: Michael Faye Goes to China

This case, presented in an interesting cartoon format, describes the first two weeks after Michael Faye (disguised), an expatriate executive, takes over as president of the ongoing China operations of a leading Western multinational corporation. A Zimbabwean by birth, with considerable Asian experience, Michael had little first-hand experience in the China market per se. His challenge lay in quickly climbing a steep learning curve to find the easiest and shortest path to fulfill his twin goals of repositioning the operations within the China market and repositioning China within the multinational corporation's mindset. The accompanying video, featuring an interview with Michael, gives participants insight into how he sees his role, as well as his learning and networking approach. This case might be used in conjunction with the case titled "Antonio Scarsi Takes Command" (IMD324). Together the two cases focus on the theme "Learning about Leading in China", and encourage participants to consider the very different learning styles and common leadership traits of two expatriate executives facing compelling managerial challenges in growing their Chinese business. The cases stimulate participants to reflect on: 1) what their own leadership and learning styles are like, and their implications; 2) what they could do to become more effective and efficient leaders and learners in any new assignment; and 3) how to learn from one another during class discussion.

• Leadership
• Emerging markets
• Change management