New | Rise of ‘entrepreneur worship’ in China encourages more people to set up shop
Businessmen, once despised in society, are now elevated to celebrity status as people look to them for tips on how to replicate their successes in their own lives
In Shanghai Book City, the largest bookstore in town, Stephen Ding stands in front of a shelf in the “business management” section, carefully comparing a handful of books.
In his hands are books about China’s richest man and Wanda Group chairman Wang Jianlin, Alibaba founder Ma Yun, property tycoon Feng Lun, and Hong Kong multibillionaire Li Ka-shing.
Eventually, he decides on Wanda Philosophy, written by Wang about himself and his property conglomerate.
“I’m interested in these four entrepreneurs,” Ding, a Shanghai-based salesman, says.
“But Wanda Philosophy is written by Wang, while the others aren’t written by the entrepreneurs themselves. So I think Wang’s book can give me some real insight into his thoughts.
“I’ll analyse his experiences and ideas, and will borrow those parts that are suitable for me.”
A few steps from Ding is Yan Bin, seated on the ground, deeply engrossed as he studies a book on the internal management of Chinese computer giant Lenovo.