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Corruption Arts in Third World International Business: Traps, Swizzles, and Swindles Used by the Master Players
Corruption Arts in Third World International Business Traps Swizzles and Swindles Used by the Master Players Author:Rich Gottbreht, Sue Collier Corruption Arts in Third World International Business: Traps, Swizzles, and Swindles Used by the Master Players is based on the true story of a large American firm WestCo, Inc. that launched a joint business enterprise with the Indonesian government and two domestic companies. In the book, Gottbreht-consultant and businessman-describes how WestC... more »o found itself mired in struggles with a myriad problems that created an entirely different business environment than had been expected. Corruption turned into an art form became the leading factor behind the eventual failure of WestCo.
Gottbreht outlines the unfavorable business environment that overwhelmed WestCo and traces it to the political, economic, and cultural structures that prevailed in Indonesia. The subsequent collapse of the Indonesian economy, accompanied by violent riots in Jakarta in May 1998, currency devaluation and the concentration of wealth by six powerful families contributed to the failure of WestCo. Language barriers and cultural issues among all of the venture's participants helped drive the final nail into WestCo's coffin. The author points out, however, that Indonesia does not have a monopoly on corruption; it exists in many other developing countries.
The recent earthquake-driven tsunami in the Indian Ocean has again brought South Asia to the forefront of international headlines. The terrible tsunami tragedy that included Indonesia, gives the world an opportunity to come together with other countries to help the common people in those areas, says Gottbreht. "It would be an opportunity wasted if we allow ourselves to once again become unintentional allies of third world corrupt leadership because we did not pay attention to corruption and high integrity leadership development issues at the same time." Corruption Arts in Third World International Business is required reading for any American businessperson, educator, or student interested in doing business in or with third world countries.« less