Most of Michael's premises are sound; however, reality can be somewhat different.
As a CEO of a global business training company, we never go into a country or business with preconceived information, and I don't think that is what Michael is trying to accomplish with this book. I have read the other reviews, but I think the negative reviews took this book too literal.
I think Michael is trying to convey a method business owners can use to establish a template for diagramming and understanding the competitive determinants of an unfamiliar nation and those businesses within that nation.
Having worked in 15 countries on 4 continents, I realize (as does Micheal) that some of his work would be highly controversial. It is what it is... a format to help us understand how to draw our own conclusions to understand how a nation and its businesses compete. Michael's work is valuable and useful. I have used his template successfully over and over.
If you are trying to understand what creates a sustainable competitive advantage of any nation's businesses, you will find the template for developing your own ideas here.
To fully understand the reality of international life and business...you have to live it.If you are looking for a place to start...you've found it.
A very good book by an interesting management consultant. I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss some of his ideas with him. He sounds like an interesting and intelligent guy.
