Close
    HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeStrategyback to Research & KnowledgeWar for management talent in Chinaback to Strategy
    Case Study

    War for management talent in China

    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    5 pages
    December 2007
    Order this case study
    Reference: IMD-3-1876

    This opening note 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 note presents the major talent-related issues that both local and foreign business leaders in China are facing today. Being deliberately brief, the note is designed to provide quick familiarity with the “big-picture” issues relating to talent in China today.

    Learning Objective

    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: 1) 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? 2) What would be some creative and feasible practices to source, attract, develop and retain management talent?

    Keywords
    Human Resources, Leadership Succession, Talent Management
    Settings
    China
    2007
    Type
    Published Sources
    Copyright
    © 2007
    Available Languages
    English
    Related material
    Teaching note, Video
    Case clearing houses
    IMD case studies are distributed through case clearing houses. In order to browse the collection and purchase copies please visit the links below.

    The Case Centre

    Cranfield University

    Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
    Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
    Email [email protected]

    Harvard Business School Publishing

    60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
    Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
    Fax (617) 783-7666
    Email [email protected]

    Asia Pacific Case Center

    NUCB Business School

    1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
    Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
    Tel +81 52 20 38 111
    Email [email protected]

    Copyright Information

    IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.

    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    This case study is part of a series
    • War for management talent in China
    • War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China
    • War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership
    • War for management talent in China: SPSS China
    • War for management talent in China: Shanghai Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd
    Related topics
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    This case study is part of a series
    • War for management talent in China
    • War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China
    • War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership
    • War for management talent in China: SPSS China
    • War for management talent in China: Shanghai Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd
    Discover our latest research
    IMD's faculty and research teams publish articles, case studies, books and reports on a wide range of topics
    All case studies
    War for management talent in China
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1876 ©2007
    Summary
    This opening note is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from th...
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    Read more
    Reference IMD-3-1876
    Copyright ©2007
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Related content
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1877, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1879, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    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-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1878, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: SPSS China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1880, © 2007
    Read more
    War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1877 ©2007
    Summary
    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    Read more
    Reference IMD-3-1877
    Copyright ©2007
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Related content
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China

    This opening note is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from th...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1876, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1879, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    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-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1878, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: SPSS China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1880, © 2007
    Read more
    War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1879 ©2007
    Summary
    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    Read more
    Reference IMD-3-1879
    Copyright ©2007
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Related content
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China

    This opening note is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from th...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1876, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1877, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    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-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1878, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: SPSS China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1880, © 2007
    Read more
    War for management talent in China: SPSS China
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1880 ©2007
    Summary
    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    Read more
    Reference IMD-3-1880
    Copyright ©2007
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Related content
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China

    This opening note is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from th...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1876, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1877, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1879, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    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-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1878, © 2007
    Read more
    War for management talent in China: Shanghai Tyre & Rubber Co. Ltd
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1878 ©2007
    Summary
    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    Read more
    Reference IMD-3-1878
    Copyright ©2007
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Related content
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China

    This opening note is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from th...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1876, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: Eramet Group China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1877, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: LEOX Design Partnership

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1879, © 2007
    Read more
    Case Study
    War for management talent in China: SPSS China

    This case is part of the suite of teaching materials which employs China as an illustration of the managerial implications resulted from the so-cal...

    Strategy
    2007 EFMD AWARD WINNER (Emerging Chinese Global Competitors)
    By William A. Fischer and Rebecca Chung
    Case reference: IMD-3-1880, © 2007
    Read more
    Keep reading
    Case Study
    Mastercard 2023: Rewired for infinite optionality

    In the 2010s, card processing – Mastercard’s flagship service – started showing signs of commodification as new, nimble players (typically, fintech startups thriving on digital) entered the payment processing space, and customer preferences evolve...

    Disruption Digital Strategy
    By Howard H. Yu, Mark J. Greeven and Martin Králik
    Case reference: IMD-7-2455, © 2024
    Read more
    Article
    Management myth-busters: Does culture really eat strategy for breakfast?

    Culture eats strategy for breakfast is one of the most enduring truisms of management. But is it really the case? And what is culture anyway?

    Organizational Culture Strategy
    By Michael R. Wade
    in I by IMD
    8 November 2024
    Read more
    Article
    Strategy stack: An integrated approach to decision-making

    The ways popular frameworks are used fall short in today’s rapidly changing environment. Here is a new way to make better-informed strategic choices.

    Change Management Competitiveness Decision Making Innovation Strategy
    By Albrecht Enders, Ajay K. Kohli, Andreas König and Arnaud Chevallier
    in I by IMD
    Read more
    Case Study
    Bossard’s AI strategy for proven productivity (Cartoon case)

    Bossard, a Swiss company founded in 1731, has successfully transitioned from a product-centric approach to one that offers services and solutions. It has achieved significant revenue growth despite economic challenges. Its brand promise, “proven p...

    Artificial Intelligence Business Transformation Strategy
    By Stefan Michel
    Case reference: IMD-7-2575, © 2024
    Read more
    Case Study
    The AI paradox: Will generative AI enhance or destroy the business model of 99designs.com? (Cartoon case)

    99designs.com is a global platform connecting freelance designers with potential clients. The case study examines the potential impact of generative AI on 99designs’ business model. The platform uses a crowdsourcing approach that invites designers...

    Strategy Business to Business Digital Disruption
    By Stefan Michel
    Case reference: IMD-7-2505, © 2024
    Read more
    Article
    Putting the ‘G’ in ESG (and the ‘A’ in alpha)

    Test your knowledge on ESG governance with our fun quiz! Learn how strong governance drives environmental and social success in investing. Take it now!

    Corporate Governance Strategy
    in I by IMD
    Read more
    Article
    How CEO’s drive saved car giant Ford from the scrapyard

    Companies desperately in need of a turnaround in fortunes should take inspiration from the 2008 rescue mission by the then-new Ford boss Alan Mulally.

    Agility Business Transformation Change Management Competitiveness Decision Making Future Readiness Leadership Organizational Culture Performance Management Strategy
    By Howard H. Yu
    in I by IMD
    Read more
    Article
    Look in to look out: Strategy and family business identity during COVID-19

    COVID-19 challenges the value systems of family firms and urges them to adapt their behaviors, affecting their identities. This study aims to explore how and why family businesses strategically respond to challenges to their identity during COVID-...

    Family Business Strategy
    By Alfredo De Massis, Rebecca Alguera Kleine and Bingbing Ge
    in Small Business Economics
    October 2024, vol. 63, pp. 993–1018, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-023-00846-3
    Read more
    Article
    Family businesses and strategic change: The role of family ownership

    In this study, we analyze how the performance-aspiration gap influences strategic change in family firms, providing evidence of the moderating role of family ownership in this relationship. According to socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory, family o...

    Family Business Strategy
    By Nina Schweiger, Kurt Matzler, Julia Hautz and Alfredo De Massis
    in Review of Managerial Science
    October 2024, vol. 18, pp. 2981-3005 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-023-00703-3
    Read more
    Report
    Nature's ROI: Five key enablers for building a nature-positive business strategy

    As the global environmental crisis reaches unprecedented levels, businesses face mounting pressure to act. But this challenge is also a major business opportunity. The companies that move quickly to tackle biodiversity loss will not only protect o...

    Sustainability Strategy
    By Julia Katharina Binder, Adrian Dellecker and Aurélie V. Stamm
    IMD Center for Sustainable and Inclusive Business Report, October 2024
    Read more
    Mastercard 2023: Rewired for infinite optionality
    By Howard H. Yu Mark J. Greeven and Martin Králik
    Case reference: IMD-7-2455 ©2024
    Summary
    In the 2010s, card processing – Mastercard’s flagship service – started showing signs of commodification as new, nimble players (typically, fintech startups thriving on digital) entered the payment processing space, and customer preferences evolved beyond plastic cards and traditional contact payments. To re-energize its central position and its ability to capture value, Mastercard – as the incumbent – had to make bold decisions. The case details Mastercard’s approach to conceptualizing and building a global platform ecosystem that upholds the principles and design elements of modularity (i.e. interoperability and scalability) and optionality. Today, Mastercard's services, based on application programming interfaces (APIs), integrate with a variety of platforms and offer flexibility to businesses that require customized payment solutions. All along, the company has accommodated a high level of internal disruption. The case also explores the nature of Mastercard’s systematic collaboration with fintechs – players that often started out as competitors in specific parts of Mastercard’s value chain. It describes the company’s engagement with fintechs as fostering collaboration and co-creation and facilitating access; in other words, opening doors and sharing tools with partners. The case presents observations and quotes by CEO Michael Miebach, whose career trajectory at Mastercard – spanning Africa & Middle East experience, fintech partnerships, product management and the CEO role – sheds additional light on the philosophy and values that have driven the company’s transformation to a technology powerhouse and self-described original fintech.
    Reference IMD-7-2455
    Copyright ©2024
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Organization Mastercard
    Industry Finance and Insurance, Financial Services
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Disruption
    Digital
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Management myth-busters: Does culture really eat strategy for breakfast?
    By Michael R. Wade
    in I by IMD 8 November 2024
    Summary
    Culture eats strategy for breakfast is one of the most enduring truisms of management. But is it really the case? And what is culture anyway?
    Read more
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Organizational Culture
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Strategy stack: An integrated approach to decision-making
    By Albrecht Enders Ajay K. Kohli Andreas König and Arnaud Chevallier
    in I by IMD
    Summary
    The ways popular frameworks are used fall short in today’s rapidly changing environment. Here is a new way to make better-informed strategic choices.
    Read more
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Change Management
    Competitiveness
    Decision Making
    Innovation
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Bossard’s AI strategy for proven productivity (Cartoon case)
    By Stefan Michel
    Case reference: IMD-7-2575 ©2024
    Summary
    Bossard, a Swiss company founded in 1731, has successfully transitioned from a product-centric approach to one that offers services and solutions. It has achieved significant revenue growth despite economic challenges. Its brand promise, “proven p...
    Read more
    Reference IMD-7-2575
    Copyright ©2024
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Organization Bossard Holding
    Industry Manufacturing, Fasteners
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Artificial Intelligence
    Business Transformation
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    The AI paradox: Will generative AI enhance or destroy the business model of 99designs.com? (Cartoon case)
    By Stefan Michel
    Case reference: IMD-7-2505 ©2024
    Summary
    99designs.com is a global platform connecting freelance designers with potential clients. The case study examines the potential impact of generative AI on 99designs’ business model. The platform uses a crowdsourcing approach that invites designers...
    Read more
    Reference IMD-7-2505
    Copyright ©2024
    Copyright owner IMD Copyright
    Industry Manufacturing, Graphic Design
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Strategy
    Business to Business
    Digital
    Disruption
    Browse all topics
    Putting the ‘G’ in ESG (and the ‘A’ in alpha)

    in I by IMD
    Summary
    Test your knowledge on ESG governance with our fun quiz! Learn how strong governance drives environmental and social success in investing. Take it now!
    Read more
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Corporate Governance
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    How CEO’s drive saved car giant Ford from the scrapyard
    By Howard H. Yu
    in I by IMD
    Summary
    Companies desperately in need of a turnaround in fortunes should take inspiration from the 2008 rescue mission by the then-new Ford boss Alan Mulally.
    Read more
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Agility
    Business Transformation
    Change Management
    Competitiveness
    Decision Making
    Future Readiness
    Leadership
    Organizational Culture
    Performance Management
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Look in to look out: Strategy and family business identity during COVID-19
    By Alfredo De Massis Rebecca Alguera Kleine and Bingbing Ge
    in Small Business Economics October 2024, vol. 63, pp. 993–1018, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-023-00846-3
    Summary
    COVID-19 challenges the value systems of family firms and urges them to adapt their behaviors, affecting their identities. This study aims to explore how and why family businesses strategically respond to challenges to their identity during COVID-...
    Read more
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Family Business
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Family businesses and strategic change: The role of family ownership
    By Nina Schweiger Kurt Matzler Julia Hautz and Alfredo De Massis
    in Review of Managerial Science October 2024, vol. 18, pp. 2981-3005 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-023-00703-3
    Summary
    In this study, we analyze how the performance-aspiration gap influences strategic change in family firms, providing evidence of the moderating role of family ownership in this relationship. According to socioemotional wealth (SEW) theory, family o...
    Read more
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Family Business
    Strategy
    Browse all topics
    Nature's ROI: Five key enablers for building a nature-positive business strategy
    By Julia Katharina Binder Adrian Dellecker and Aurélie V. Stamm
    IMD Center for Sustainable and Inclusive Business Report, October 2024
    Summary
    As the global environmental crisis reaches unprecedented levels, businesses face mounting pressure to act. But this challenge is also a major business opportunity. The companies that move quickly to tackle biodiversity loss will not only protect o...
    Read more
    Copyright ©2024
    Copyright owner Mixed Copyright
    Available Languages English
    Contact

    Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

    Related topics
    Sustainability
    Strategy
    Browse all topics