visit us at https://blog.laowaicareer.comtweet us @laowaicareer

China versus West: Business Culture

Do you know what the differences between Chinese and Western

Business Culture? Click here to learn how!

Moving to another country comes with an array of challenges, the most difficult of which

is adapting to a new culture. Not understanding the culture of those around you

could cause misunderstandings when something that is meant to be polite is culturally branded as rude or offensive,

leading to serious problems.

The best thing before considering a move to another country is to ensure you understand

the main differences between your culture and theirs. Increase your understanding of the

people and their actions, allow you to integrate more seamlessly into business and reduce the

risk of unnecessary altercations.

The concept of individuality

In the US a person is encouraged to chase after your ambitions, to stand out as an individual

and to make a difference. Individualism is highly effective in driving individuals to succeed in whatever they do but could also lead to a

dangerous amount of selfishness as people are not encouraged to consider others when

making choices.

China, on the other hand, focuses on collectivism which is individuals seen as part of a group. Before

making any major decisions, Chinese will first consider their family, colleagues and friends and

how this choice will affect them. Although this is a better way to promote countrywide prosperity, it

also puts significant limitations on what individuals can achieve and frequently results in having to be

content even when you are not happy.

Freedom of Speech

The freedom to speak your mind and defend your ideas and beliefs have never been more evident in the US than in recent years with a

variety of controversial subjects coming to light and causing a significant divide in the country. Americans feel that it’s their right to speak out

for what they believe which often leads to uncomfortable debates and confrontations.

Chinese are not used to this and would much rather agree to disagree. You’ll often find someone from

China nod along to your statements even when they don’t agree with you as this is considered to be

respectful to others’ opinions.

Relationships and Efficiency

When conducting business in America, it’s encouraged to do so as quickly and efficiently

as possible as not to waste time. Social interactions between businesspeople and their clients are casual, used more as a means to an

end. While strong relationships are not discouraged, the value of the transaction

should always take priority.

While this helps in a country where time is precious, and everyone feels the rush of our

everyday lives, China prefers to take the time to meet face to face and get acquainted with their

customers before doing any business. By building a social network with your client base,

they ensure a constant state of trust which makes for easier business dealings.

Personal vs. Professional

The same principal of relationship applies to many things in China. Because Chinese prefer to know

their customers, colleagues and partners personally, they’ll often ask a lot of personal questions to get to know you. The questions are a sign of interest and not an invasion of privacy, and you’ll also find that

the professional manner in which they conduct themselves within the workplace is the same way

they conduct themselves elsewhere.

Americans, on the other hand, put a clear separation between personal and professional

lives which leads to people developing a different personality for their workplace. Should colleagues meet outside the office at a function

or party, many of them will seem like completely different individuals.

Keeping up Appearances

Humiliation can be a primary source of entertainment in the US. In fact, many hours are spent watching online videos of “fails”. In China, they have a keen awareness of reputation, and it’s never acceptable to lose self-control or act a

fool.

Chinese might appear emotionless as they tend to keep their thoughts and feelings to

themselves to avoid embarrassment. In the US, however, making mistakes is seen as part of the learning process and is necessary for a person to grow, something that especially needs to be taken into account by teachers in China when

teaching a class of different children.

Social Structures

Chinese families have a clear hierarchy, typically determined by age. Older individuals carry authority. They

have even assigned various terminologies to siblings by order of birth, and you’ll see this even with extended family members as an older uncle will be referred to

differently than a younger one. This structure extends to the Chinese business world, and you’ll find that the

person with the highest authority in a company will have the final say on those ranked lower accepting decisions

without question.

Americans enjoy a more casual social structure in both family and business. In a corporate environment, meetings are held to discuss issues and may often result in significant

arguments between workers and management before finalization of a decision.

Communication Style

Conducting business in the US often requires aggression and tough negotiations.

Businesspeople are a force to be reckoned with, as that is automatically accompanied with

respect in the business world.

Chinese people do not favor this approach at all and can be seen as unprofessional. Chinese will take their time with a contract, consider all the risks and gains and when negotiations become too aggressive they may even decide to turn to

another party.

Americans, on the other hand, put a clear separation between personal and professional

lives which leads to people developing a different personality for their workplace. Should colleagues meet outside the office at a function

or party, many of them will seem like completely different individuals.

Americans, on the other hand, put a clear separation between personal and professional

lives which leads to people developing a different personality for their workplace. Should colleagues meet outside the office at a function

or party, many of them will seem like completely different individuals.

BonusClick on the link below to read the full blog post.

http://blog.laowaicareer.com/business-culture-china-versus-us

/

LaowaiCareer.comblog.LaowaiCareer.com

• Search Jobs• Register as a Job seeker.• Subscribe to our Newsletter, Job offers and Blo

gs• Read our blog