SCM Leadership in China

China is encountering particular challenges and opportunities as it continues to evolve and grow. This chapter focuses on a way of successfully dealing with issues and getting the most of favorable circumstances, which is through effective leadership. Since China has become a place where international practices merge with local culture and where global business is dominant, it is natural to consider what kind of leadership style works best there. The simple fact is that there is no ideal leadership style and, indeed, multiple styles can be most effective, even within one leader. The ability to adapt style to situation has become especially important in the wake of the global financial crisis and the great lows and highs that it has spawned. Innovation is a key feature of successful leadership in this environment. As supply chains become more complex and as the need for innovation continues, flexibility and openness to new ideas are now highly valued in leaders. China requires leaders, who are rightly steeped in this forward-looking approach.