Abstract

A fictional Ohio insurance corporation, Olin Life Insurance Company, wishes to expand into China, as a chance to grow the company for the long term. With a population of 1.4 billion people living long lives, and with one of the highest savings rates in the world, China tempts thousands of businesses to enter.  It has been called a true economic miracle.

But then the Covid 19 pandemic exploded all over the world.  In early 2020, China shut down entire cities to follow a strict policy of zero-Covid. Initially, the policy was successful.  But after three years of this stringent policy, China has reopened to mixed results.  Its economy and foreign direct investment have stalled, and confidence in business has dropped sharply.

Not for James Terence, CEO of Olin Life; he believes in China’s future.  He will send three of the company’s top officers to Shanghai to meet with representatives of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission to seek a license to enter the Chinese market. 

Level of Difficulty

Appropriate for advanced undergraduates, graduate MBAs, and executive education levels.

Issues Involved

Issues with the Chinese economy after the Covid-19 pandemic, Chinese business culture, negotiation strategies and tactics, insurance joint ventures.

Title

Olin Life In China: After the Pandemic.
An American Insurance Company Considers Entering China.

5th edition
A role-play simulation designed to teach cross-cultural negotiation strategies. (2024)

Author

Maureen Maguire Lewis
President www.culturescrossing.com

Length

88 pages, including appendix and bibliography.