4. Cultural Differences
“Earliest record dating back to a ruler called
Fu Si” (Anon, 2008, Introduction).
“Today the
population of China is
1.34 billion.”
(Lambert, 2010, Conclusion).
5. Cultural Differences
China is a ‘High Context’ Society
High Context - Unspoken
information, large importance on
relationships, loyalty
Low Context - Information exchanged
through the message itself, less
vague, short-term relationships
10. Non-Verbal Communication
Not touch
Eye Contact orientated
(Argyle
1988)
Gestures
Posture
(Morris 2002)
11. How will this be implemented in the
Workshop
First Role Play – to do with
business cards of gifts
Second role play –
learn to pick up
Chinese gestures and
how to show 1 – 10
12. Chinese culture shows that the Chinese like to
stand close together when
communication, even in business so a role play
incorporating standing close together talking
will be incorporated so everybody feels
comfortable.
14. Etiquette
“Face is lost when the individual, either
through his action or that people closely
related to him, fails to meet essential
requirements placed upon him by virtue of
the social position he occupies.”
(Hofstede, 1976, page 867)
15. Attitudes towards authorities?
Weak Rule of Law:
Lack of stable legal system:
No legal tradition
Problem of implementation
Unpredicted managers
Pressure and perception of law
Competitiveness
Ambition
Image
Ethics
16. Attitudes towards authorities?
Hierarchy in Business:
Negative effect/Confucius authority
Masculinity VS femininity
Employees & Managers
Senpai and kōhai (mentor & protégé)
17. Using Your Initiative
Working in groups
Identify the problem
Discuss the necessary actions
Implement them in a way that Eastern
culture recommends
Present your ideas to the group
19. Reference Page
Anon, 2008. History Briefly Stated [Online] [Viewed 08/12/2011]. Available from:
http://sitara.com/china/history.html
T. Lambert, 2010. A Short History of China [Online] [Viewed 08/12/2011]. Available from:
http://www.localhistories.org/china.html
Editor's Notes
We’re here today to deliver you with a knowledge and understanding of the Chinese culture and the barriers you may face surrounding your ability within management roles in Eastern culture. We will discuss the main cultural differences that will influence your ability to manage and communicate effectively.
This is how the structure of the day has been laid out, We’d like to break down the sections to briefly explain their content within the workshop.
China is one of the worlds most ancient civilisation with earliest record dating back to a ruler called Fu Si, who lived in 30th centuries BC.
China is one of the worlds most ancient civilisation with earliest record dating back to a ruler called Fu Si, who lived in 30th centuries BC.Background on China/High context Political historySummary of Eastern Culture
In China it is out of question to disagree with someone’s opinion in public. You will do that in a more private and personal atmosphere to protect a person from the “loss of face”. In collectivistic cultures a direct confrontation will be always avoided. Expressions or phrases are used which describe a disagreement or negative statement instead of saying no. Saying no would mean to destroy the harmony in the group.Expressions or phrases are used which describe a disagreement or negative statement instead of saying no. Saying no would mean to destroy the harmony in the group. The relationship between employer and employee or business partners is based on trust and harmony and a deep understanding of moral values. The wealth of the company and the groups inside are more important than the individual one’s.
Do you wanna keep this marionWeak Rule of Law:Lack of stable legal system-> no legal tradition/problem of implementation/unpredicted managersPressure and perception of law-> competitiveness/ambition/image/ethics Hierarchy in Business:Negative effect/Confucius authorityMasculinity VS femininityEmployees & ManagersJunior and Senior
In this part of the workshop you’ll be asked to group up in to threesInitiative games are fun, cooperative, challenging games in which the group is confronted with a specific problem to solve.In your groups you’ll receive a scenario in which the cultural differences between east and west have caused a problem.For e.g. ‘A British businessman is half an hour late for a meeting, he was delayed because he spilt coffee down his shirt at breakfast.’Using the information you learn over the course of this section, you will have to come up with an appropriate way of causing as little offence as possible. REMEMBER YOU ARE IN A EASTERN CULTURAL SOCIETY… AN APOLOGIES MAY NOT BE ENOUGH!
