Dragon in a Three-Piece Suit is an innovative sociological examination of what is perhaps the main engine of economic reform in China, the large industrial firm. Doug Guthrie, who spent more than a year in Shanghai studying firms, interviewing managers, and gathering data on firms' performance and practices, provides the first detailed account of how these firms have been radically transformed since the mid-1980s. Guthrie shows that Chinese firms are increasingly imitating foreign firms in response both to growing contact with international investors and to being cut adrift from state support. Many firms, for example, are now less likely to use informal hiring practices, more likely to have formal grievance filing procedures, and more likely to respect international institutions, such as the Chinese International Arbitration Commission. Guthrie argues that these findings support the de-linking of Western trade policy from human rights, since it is clear that economic engagement leads to constructive reform. Yet Guthrie also warns that reform in China is not a process of inevitable Westernization or of managers behaving as rational, profit-maximizing agents. Old habits, China's powerful state administration, and the hierarchy of the former command economy will continue to have profound effects on how firms act and how they adjust to change. With its combination of rigorous argument and uniquely rich detail, this book gives us the most complete picture yet of Chinese economic reform at the crucial level of the industrial firm.

Introduction: China and globalization -- Part I: Macro-level dynamics and institutional change -- China's opening and institutional change -- The shift toward the wholly foreign owned enterprise structure -- Law Guanxi: Chinese law goes international and foreign investors go local -- Part II: Micro- and meso-level dynamics and institutional change -- The diffusion of pay-for-performance institutions -- Dismissal and labor turnover -- "Remade in China": foreign investors and Chinese actors negotiate institutional change -- Appendix: List of interviewees.

An accessible, introductory text on contemporary China, this book covers the social, economic, and political factors responsible for China's revolutionary changes, and interweaves this structural analysis with a consideration of social changes at the micro and macro levels.

Nickolas Landry; Martial Arts instructor, model citizen, and former Navy SEAL. Years ago, after leaving the Navy, he was confronted by an ancient little man from Japan, who claimed that Nick was destined to serve as the Guardian of mankind. His duty, until the end of times, is to safeguard humanity from the forces of darkness. This destiny came with a warning, explained by Masamoto that this duty would destroy the life Nick knows. When the time came, after years of training, Nick learned first hand how true the warning was. He believed that he possessed the strength and ability to protect his life and the loved ones in it. On the eve of his wedding, he was shown how wrong he was, when his bride to be was taken from him, along with Masamoto, losing her life because of his destiny. How does a man give his life to save the rest of mankind? Sure, he could've walked away and denied his destiny. But, how could he carry on with his life knowing that the future of mankind is doomed on Earth? Nickolas Landry is not that kind of man, but with the end of times near, he will soon learn the extent of this so-called destiny that has consumed his life, and what it will truly cost him. Allies have been made, with more to come to fight at his side, on this eve of doom. It is then that Nick will discover what the ultimate sacrifice is to save the word.

"Originally published in Great Britain in 2017 by Canongate Books Limited"--Title page verso.

JeromeASF, the YouTube sensation, debuts his Bacca character on the printed page with this action-packed Minecraft adventure for all ages. Bacca has it all. The most celebrated (and furry) star in the Overworld, he’s the person others look to for help building their dungeons, mazes, and castles. He has a girlfriend, LadyBacc, and his most prized possession of all—a diamond axe called Betty. One day, Bacca is approached by a mysterious dragon . . . made entirely of diamonds! The dragon is from a new biome—a secret land few have ever seen—where a special object has been stolen. A seemingly impossible set of riddles and challenges stands in the way of getting it back, but if Bacca can help, the dragon promises he’ll receive a new weapon even better than Betty. Is he willing to risk everything and push his crafting skills to their very limits? As his millions of YouTube fans already know . . . of course he is! He’s Bacca! Perfect for Minecraft fans of all ages, Bacca and the Riddle of the Diamond Dragon showcases the YouTube Minecraft star that fans around the world have come to love: funny, creative, and just a little bit crazy! Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. In particular, this adventure series is created especially for readers who love the fight of good vs. evil, magical academies like Hogwarts in the Harry Potter saga, and games like Minecraft, Terraria, and Pokemon GO. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Enjoy this HOT dragon shifter best-friends-to-lovers romance by USA Today Bestselling paranormal romance author Starla Night! Best Friends Amber is the quiet, buttoned-up accountant for her family's clothing company, the Onyx Corporation, but her inner dragon constantly simmers beneath her skin. The only one who always calms her down is her best friend, Darcy. A gorgeous, tantalizing man. Yes, he makes her heart pound, but they are strictly friends. A dangerous dragon like her absolutely can't fall in love with him. Until one night changes everything... Or Lovers? Darcy is head-over-heels in love with his best friend, Amber. Now that she's taken the first step, he wants the sweet virgin dragon to keep taking steps right into his bed. He's convinced he can handle her in any form. But the charming lingerie shop owner has his own family drama. An out-of-control wedding is taking over his life, and as Amber's put under investigation by the dragon authorities, she finds solace in helping with the preparations...and then she gets a little too involved... What happens when a dragon gets wedding fever? It's a wild new chapter in the Onyx Dragons saga! Onyx Dragons: Amber is the fourth book in the 7 Virgin Brides for 7 Virgin Weredragon Billionaires although all stories in this series can be read as standalone romance novels with happy endings. For fans of Harmony Raines, Skye Wilson, Olivia Turner, and Ava Ross, this is a sexy romantic story with a guaranteed happily ever after. It features steamy dragon shifter love scenes, a twist on the old fairy tale "tower rescue" scene, and a debonair hero who will do anything to convince his superpowered heroine that he loves her just the way she is. Must love dragons!