Title: KFC in China

Secret Recipe for Success

 

Author: Warren Liu

Host: Clyde Warden

At last, a business book that shows exactly how important local cultural understanding is for real success in China. What is one of the most important aspects of KFC's market leadership in China, as the largest chain restaurant? Liu is right there with the answer: toilets. Well, that is not the only reason, but it is a big one, and one that McDonald's used successfully in Taiwan (which attracts lines of people even today--see show 7). This down-to-earth observation is what makes Liu's book so good. Listen to my full review for more.

Not a research book, but not a shallow journalistic stab either. Practical is how I would classify Liu's work, but with an emphasis on the MBA orientation. Topics are covered in standard business school ways, but the nuggets come out when Liu shows how KFC China had to break with Western assumptions, go against American HQ tendencies, and draw on a gang of Taiwan experienced managers to really make KFC's core advantages (mainly chicken) take off in China. This is a bit long for a review, but I got excited about this book!

The Show:

Length: 25 minutes 32 seconds. Download MP3 11.97MB (Right click->Save As).