UNDERSTANDING TRAINING AND NETWORKING NEEDS OF THE FEMALE CHINESE EXECUTIVE: AN EXPLORATORY LOOK AT MANAGEMENT ISSUES, USING THE "WOMEN IN BUSINESS" MODEL

Over the past twenty years, an economic boom has over taken China. Skyscrapers line the horizon in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, with construction cranes stretching as far as the eye can see. With this economic boom has come a new force in the workplace. Whereas before, women were mainly relegated to low status in the family and unrewarding positions as laborers or bottom rung assistants to male middle managers, another cultural revolution began to take place as millions of highly educated Chinese female executives flocked into the workplace (Fuchun, 2002). The status quo started to change at lightning speed.