It seems almost every month now Western friends are leaving Suzhou, re-patriated from whence they came. Timing’s everything, they say, and the Times have forced companies to dramatically re-think the way they use expats in China. In one instance, a friend’s Australian company – in the household goods manufacturing industry – just simply doesn’t exist any longer. For another mate, the early retirement package the company offered is far greater than if he just continued working in Suzhou another two years and then retired as a matter of course.

In the March 2009 issue of Eurobiz Magazine I write about succession matters in companies in China, and why it’s important for Western companies to plan for and cultivate talent that will eventually assume the role of General Manager of a company:

Robert, the British GM, also stated that succession Matters ultimately come down to an issue of trust. “It is important for Chinese managers to establish credibility with Western managers abroad.” Without trust there cannot be effective, transparent communications between two sides separated by vastly different value systems.

And trust, we all know, is a precious commodity in the business world.