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Rice Wine with the Minister
Book

Rice Wine with the Minister

Distilled Wisdom to Manage, Lead and Succeed on the Global Stage

Andrew Kakabadse and Nada Kakabadse
Palgrave Macmillan, 2010

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Recommendation

If, while on an overseas business trip, you’ve ever poked inquiringly at something unidentifiable on your plate, author Andrew Kakabadse knows how you feel: He survived 21 consecutive toasts with 60-proof rice wine at a business dinner in China. By the end of the dinner, only he and the local provincial minister were still standing. Along with his co-author, Nada Kakabadse, he uses the metaphor of the rice wine test to explain the challenges that global corporate leaders face in dealing with a seemingly homogenized business world that is diverse, complex and sometimes baffling in reality.

Take-Aways

  • Cultural, social and national differences persist among the peoples of the world.
  • Thus, to lead successful global organizations, executives must develop cultural awareness by taking 21 “shots” of advice. Some of these tips advise:
  • Develop “cultural intelligence,” pay attention to local customs and “redefine leadership” within your firm to respect business philosophies from around the globe.

About the Authors

Andrew Kakabadse, a professor at Cranfield University’s School of Management, and Nada Kakabadse, a professor at the University of Northampton Business School, both write extensively on leadership and corporate governance.

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