Yes.....we are very close to Japan in more ways than a mere geographic region. Our hearts are truly moved by the impact this great storm, tsunami, earthquake has shaken the ground and the many lives of people in Japan. I am reminded that our storms in life are in no comparison to Japan....but nonetheless, it is there. We board the trains, we see the news, people wear mask in Hong Kong for many reasons- it is not the radiation, more for hygiene and once you cough, you must wear one. It is a good way to stay healthy, get better quickly, and keep others from getting contaminated. The efficiency of the people here is amazing and also to watch the way in which people have weathered the aftermath in Japan. Straight lines, orderly to receive aid, to receive water, to receive food. We have much to learn from this storm and that of our own storms in life. Read here to find out more about this issue in Japan.
As we feel the impact in many ways, it is greater for those who are Japanese, like our Chairman at the CUHK- who is Japanese and wrote to all in our department to inform that his family is in good standing, that he was able to locate a friend and his family and all is well. Our hearts, prayers go out to this great nation.
My children today came home from school announcing that they were taking a collection for the tsunami victims in Japan. Hannah, saying very confidently "they need our help, because they do not have enough water and they are our neighbor". She was on a campaign, at six years old already looking for ways to help.
As we weather our storms in life, my constant reminder of who we are in Christ is my nephew Elisha, who is fighting for his life at the NIC unit of the children's hospital. He has been there since birth, November 18, 2010- he is a twin to Ephraim. My sister and family have beautiful children and these two little boys are precious. Elisha fights, and he is strengthen and sustained by prayers. We can have joy in the midst of the storm....it is difficult nonetheless, but our hope and strength comes from above.
What is your storm today? Rest in the hands of God, for He will sustain you and give you peace.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Discussions about Google's Exit Strategy from China
An interesting research presentation by my colleague Prof. Peng Changgui in the Department of Management offered a thought provoking research method and also "hot" topic for the times. Peng discusses the research from text to action- a discoursed-based perspective on the institutional pressures: a case study about Google's exit strategy.
Peng's position is to analyze the various text- from newspapers to PR releases around the China 2010 Google challenge. He proposes the following:
Discourse is not merely talking and writing but 'a system of statements which constructs an object' (Parker, 1992: 5). A discourse analysis as a research method investigates a text's 'production, dissemination, and consumption - in order to explore the relationship between discourse and social reality' (Philips, Lawrence & Hardy, 2004). In this meeting, we shall introduce our preliminary application of a discourse analysis method to examine a few key texts relevant to Google's decision-making in an exit from mainland China. Through this case study, we attempt to build a framework concerning contingencies to a firm's strategic responses to institutional pressures.
His findings will include a series of articles written about the discourse in the text. His discussion was enriched by the various viewpoints on how to measure the discourse. Chairman Shige, suggested looking at the various entities that surround the institution- including stakeholders. While Munley, proposed that while isolation of statements were being made, maybe a study of motives could be considered. Fu's values-based leadership was part of the discussion as Peng highlighted the values of the leader to make decisions and how they are made and written.
Come join us for the next brown bag lunch- these are excellent ways to share our valuable research and engage in topics for the future.
Peng's position is to analyze the various text- from newspapers to PR releases around the China 2010 Google challenge. He proposes the following:
Discourse is not merely talking and writing but 'a system of statements which constructs an object' (Parker, 1992: 5). A discourse analysis as a research method investigates a text's 'production, dissemination, and consumption - in order to explore the relationship between discourse and social reality' (Philips, Lawrence & Hardy, 2004). In this meeting, we shall introduce our preliminary application of a discourse analysis method to examine a few key texts relevant to Google's decision-making in an exit from mainland China. Through this case study, we attempt to build a framework concerning contingencies to a firm's strategic responses to institutional pressures.
His findings will include a series of articles written about the discourse in the text. His discussion was enriched by the various viewpoints on how to measure the discourse. Chairman Shige, suggested looking at the various entities that surround the institution- including stakeholders. While Munley, proposed that while isolation of statements were being made, maybe a study of motives could be considered. Fu's values-based leadership was part of the discussion as Peng highlighted the values of the leader to make decisions and how they are made and written.
Come join us for the next brown bag lunch- these are excellent ways to share our valuable research and engage in topics for the future.
Fulbright Research Forum: Hong Kong and Macau
Every year the Hong Kong America Center, directed by Dr. Glenn Shive, hosts the Fulbright Research forum which invites the East Asia Senior Scholar Researchers and also the Fulbright Research group from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. This year it was a large contingency of incredible people who have dedicated their lives to East Asia and to fulfill projects that will change how we think about Asia. More than 100 people in attendance, including scholars from the various universities in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. The forum featured guest speakers, while also inviting panelist to discuss Sino-American relation. Discussions on the Hong Kong two identities, was an incredible topic. While HK belongs to China, there are still marked differences in the socio political behavior of both HK and China. Meeting some of the most influential people of Hong Kong was truly invigorating. The second wealtheast man or one of the "billionaires" of Hong Kong hosted one of our luncheons where discussions were raised on identity, culture and what it means to do business in Hong Kong.
The forum also required segments of work and research, collaborating with others in defining and synthesizing the research for the region. I participated as a facilitator for the Social Change and Education round table. I had the opportunity to review and understand projects from a wide range of scopes, diversifying over the East Asia region. The research ranged from educational programs for minority groups in China, such as the Han and Yi people, to providing digital education in a texting capacity.
Over the four days of discussions, between forums, panels, luncheons and work. We managed to see a few of the sights and those were incredible. Our ferry ride to Macau on the "jet foil" was fun and fast! We arrived quick and checked immigration. That evening, I ate some of the most fantastic Macanese food- a mixture of Macau and Portuguese, amazing food! Macau also hosted several round tables discussing the viability of this island nation, the economy and growth within. The island is also a mixture of beautiful colonial, Spaniard architecture mixed with Chinese themes. (My camera is on the mend, so as soon as I can retrieve these pictures, I will post more on the amazing features of Macau).
The forum also featured the visit and guest appearances of high officials from the Embassies in China and Hong Kong, also the US State Department. Having dinner with our US Ambassador in his home was absolutely beautiful....Talk about having the best view in town! It was breathtaking. During the event Ambassador Young spoke highly of the Fulbright as the flagship program the US offers to nations around the world. He is honored to have the privilege of inviting Fulbrights to Hong Kong. It is an honor for me to serve our nation as a Fulbright Scholar, representing the values of our great nation. The closure of the event came fast, as the projects and research design were evaluated, analyzed and many great recommendations and studies for future arose from the discussions. It was now time to go back to our respective posts.....for it was an amazing journey.
The forum also required segments of work and research, collaborating with others in defining and synthesizing the research for the region. I participated as a facilitator for the Social Change and Education round table. I had the opportunity to review and understand projects from a wide range of scopes, diversifying over the East Asia region. The research ranged from educational programs for minority groups in China, such as the Han and Yi people, to providing digital education in a texting capacity.
Over the four days of discussions, between forums, panels, luncheons and work. We managed to see a few of the sights and those were incredible. Our ferry ride to Macau on the "jet foil" was fun and fast! We arrived quick and checked immigration. That evening, I ate some of the most fantastic Macanese food- a mixture of Macau and Portuguese, amazing food! Macau also hosted several round tables discussing the viability of this island nation, the economy and growth within. The island is also a mixture of beautiful colonial, Spaniard architecture mixed with Chinese themes. (My camera is on the mend, so as soon as I can retrieve these pictures, I will post more on the amazing features of Macau).
The forum also featured the visit and guest appearances of high officials from the Embassies in China and Hong Kong, also the US State Department. Having dinner with our US Ambassador in his home was absolutely beautiful....Talk about having the best view in town! It was breathtaking. During the event Ambassador Young spoke highly of the Fulbright as the flagship program the US offers to nations around the world. He is honored to have the privilege of inviting Fulbrights to Hong Kong. It is an honor for me to serve our nation as a Fulbright Scholar, representing the values of our great nation. The closure of the event came fast, as the projects and research design were evaluated, analyzed and many great recommendations and studies for future arose from the discussions. It was now time to go back to our respective posts.....for it was an amazing journey.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Parents visit in Hong Kong- from Guatemala- Don and Lilia Donaldson
They are a blessing to us, and to the rest of the world. As I asked my students to reflect on a leader or hero in their lives, many come to mind. In my heart, I must admit it is my mother and father, who have shown me to give and give relentlessly to the world without expecting anything in return, but to glorify God, lead humbly and be in the will of God.
Korea- Handong International Law School in Pohang
A wonderful opportunity to engage students in Global Leadership issues was a highlight of the month of February. Traveling to Handong University to deliver the key note program for the second and third year law students at the International Law School (HILS) was an amazing experience. This is my third time in Korea, however, my first to the Pusan (Busan) Pohang coastal area. It is considered the culture bed of the Silla dynasty making Gyeongju one of the leading attractions of Korea. Visits to museums the famous Silla bell and also the surrounding areas made this trip an amazing journey.
The most beautiful part of this trip to Korea was spending time with such gifted students with a passion to change the world- Handong's mission "Why not change the world?" I challenged the students to think on the question they are asking, charged them to have the answer and to move forward on leading the world through humility and a focus on becoming more like Christ. The discussions over 12 hours of lecture were truly rewarding. My time ended with a beautiful song- a song of blessing which is sung to those who visit. As students opened their arms towards me they sang- "may God give you peace, joy" in Korean. I could not hold back the tears, it was the most beautiful and life changing experience. The students are called at the HILS to transform the world through the exercise of practicing law- the practice is in truly reaching out to the community and to proclaim justice for the forsaken and oppressed (Micah 6:8- the theme verse of HILS).
I am not the same person after this experience, I am moved by my brothers and sisters in Christ who are truly changing the world and not focused on the accolades of a law degree but the love that can be shed by the knowledge they understand.
The most beautiful part of this trip to Korea was spending time with such gifted students with a passion to change the world- Handong's mission "Why not change the world?" I challenged the students to think on the question they are asking, charged them to have the answer and to move forward on leading the world through humility and a focus on becoming more like Christ. The discussions over 12 hours of lecture were truly rewarding. My time ended with a beautiful song- a song of blessing which is sung to those who visit. As students opened their arms towards me they sang- "may God give you peace, joy" in Korean. I could not hold back the tears, it was the most beautiful and life changing experience. The students are called at the HILS to transform the world through the exercise of practicing law- the practice is in truly reaching out to the community and to proclaim justice for the forsaken and oppressed (Micah 6:8- the theme verse of HILS).
I am not the same person after this experience, I am moved by my brothers and sisters in Christ who are truly changing the world and not focused on the accolades of a law degree but the love that can be shed by the knowledge they understand.
Discussions with Students-
During my time with the CUHK I will be involved in research with students who are in executive programs. The research will involve mostly a qualitative methodology of focus groups with interviews. The topic areas dsicussed in some of these sessions will be on leadership behaviors; mostly dealing with women in a leadership role.
Discussions in Business Diplomacy and Breakthrough
The Department of Management is the host of numerous events which feature speakers and guests from around the world. A recent presentation on Business Diplomacy presented by Dr. Raymond Saner, professor at the University o f Basle, Switzerland, and his wife Dr. Lichia Saner-Yiu initiated a discussion on the practice of doing diplomacy in a multinational organization. Business diplomacy is a relatively new topic area which leads corporations to focus and make knowledgeable decisions when things may go wrong. The point to be made by the Saner's is that business diplomacy is not intentional in many corporations but a necessary office in order to avoid political and cultural mistakes around crisis and issues with doing business globally.
Dr. Robert Lee, originally from Hong Kong but now resides in California writes about breakthrough when breakdown occurs in companies today. He has vast experience as CEO and also founder of his own company. With his 25+ years of experiences with business around the globe, he is a firm believer that companies today do their best work when breakdown occurs. The breakthrough moment is a simple concept for the rewards obtained from the breakdown which can be lasting. It is an inspiring concept to think that failure is OK- and that risk is good and at times it may not work, but in the long run it can provide a new answer.
Dr. Robert Lee, originally from Hong Kong but now resides in California writes about breakthrough when breakdown occurs in companies today. He has vast experience as CEO and also founder of his own company. With his 25+ years of experiences with business around the globe, he is a firm believer that companies today do their best work when breakdown occurs. The breakthrough moment is a simple concept for the rewards obtained from the breakdown which can be lasting. It is an inspiring concept to think that failure is OK- and that risk is good and at times it may not work, but in the long run it can provide a new answer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)