Management development in China: a policy analysis

This study analyzes the current structure of Chinese management development (MD) policy. It identifies three critical challenges facing Chinese managers and reviews related MD policies. It considers the evolution of major MD-related policies in the context of broader social, economic and institutional changes in China. Five principal findings inform the conclusion that with the experience accumulated in three decades of reform practices, MD policy in China should no longer be based on the principle of 'groping for stones to cross the river'. Rather, there should be established an accountability and evaluation mechanism for a well-defined MD policy implementation process. This should accelerate the management learning process in China and overcome the country's shortage of management skills.