TOPIC: THE BUSINESS CULTURE IN CHINA

The Business Culture in China

The Business Culture in China

Introduction

The business culture of China is unique. The Chinese people follow certain ethics in business. For the Chinese people business is very auspicious. Patience and humility are the two main features of the Chinese business culture. “Guanxi” is a very important characteristic of the Chinese business culture. It means relationships. Forming a good relationship is very important step in Chinese business culture. In simple words exchanging favors is an important part of the Chinese business culture. There are many advantages of Ganaxi.Frustration, risks and disappointments are minimized if the policy of Guanxi is followed.Guanxi is co operating with each other. It also means to be friendly and develop good feelings about each other. (Alon, Ilan and John McIntyre, eds. 2008) The Chinese culture has no resemblance than the Western Culture. Chinese will make dealings with people whom they think are trustworthy. If the Western countries want to do business then they have to prove them trustworthy. In the Chinese business culture relationships are made on the personal stage. (Alon, Ilan and John McIntyre, eds. 2008)

Explanation

Appropriate business attire

The Chinese business culture does not depend on money. Every individual members are treated fairly .If any company maintains its words then they can be sure to be a business part for the rest of their lives. The 1989 political instability is a perfect example. The companies which stood with the Chinese in their bad times remained friends for the rest of their lives. Chinese believe that both the parties have to be faith full. The Chinese do no support bribery .Chinese feel that Guanxi should not be one sided. If it is one sided then the business can not grow.

Private space and other body language

Almost the first Chinese word you will come across when doing business with China is "guanxi". Broadly speaking, it means "connections" and for Chinese people it is very much a part of everyday life, where people will use social networks to access scarce resources in everything from schools to healthcare. (Alon, Ilan and John McIntyre, eds. 2008)

In Chinese business culture, drinking plays a prominent role with many Chinese companies hiring what amount to professional drinkers, giving them professional job titles. Many Chinese people in professional jobs that I met, i.e. in accountancy and management positions, often have to accept the drinking culture in order to be accepted and to progress in their company, hence it is often necessary to put the drinking culture ahead of the direct needs of family sometimes. Chinese people are very family orientated people and they care very much about their families.

Negotiating

It is more a case that most companies expect their employees to conform to the company culture and to do well in a company, it is important to fit in with these ideologies. Many of my students spoke of the way in which it was necessary to entertain business clients with a good evening of drinking and ...