The War for Management Talent in China: Shanghai Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd

This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-called War for Talent, and is intended to generate insights into "how to best play the talent game" in China, or elsewhere. We aim to generate an interactive and rich class discussion of the issues raised among seasoned business practitioners, by adopting a variety of interesting teaching formats: an opening note, four cases, an "appraisal exercise" and a video. In particular, this case features a state-controlled listed company which is a horizontally-diversified national champion involved in such business categories as tires, batteries, soap, printing ink and real estate, with export sales accounting for 45% of its total sales. The company aspires to increase its international presence and, in particular, to turn its tire operations into "global factories," while building its "Double Coin" domestic brand into a global one. The enterprise's board chairman, Dr Fan Xian, needs experienced managers for its domestic and overseas operations, especially in the areas of general management, finance, and marketing and sales. To him, loyalty is the most important criteria when appraising job candidates. His challenge is to find loyal and competent managers and match them with the right positions in China and overseas. Learning objectives: Among the critical issues in talent management to be addressed in this suite of teaching materials, the following are the most central for the learning of class participants: Since sizing up potential candidates is the first and most fundamental step of talent management, what characteristics should a business leader look for to meet the competency requirements today and to prepare for the future? What would be some creative and feasible practices to source, attract, develop and retain management talent?

• Talent management
• Emerging markets