What Can and Can’t Be Asked?

By Matthew Harrison, Director of B2B International China

The subject of what can and cannot be researched in China is a contentious one, and – as with data collection methods – there is a tendency for the ‘uniqueness’ of China to be exaggerated in this respect.

In terms of subject matter, the truth is that there is very little difference between what can be researched in China and what can be researched in Western countries. Culturally, there is no great reticence in terms of providing information, and as the Chinese become increasingly aware of market research, obtaining their views is, if anything, becoming easier.

Most of the areas in which it is difficult to obtain information are similar to those that are difficult in the West. Company’s financial data, such as profit and loss information, is an obvious example, and this can be as much to do with lack of knowledge as lack of willing on the part of the respondent. It is true that certain Read the rest of “Business to Business Market Research in China – Part III” or post a comment

By Ron Cune

One of the most widely discussed subjects about doing business with Chinese people is the concept ‘Guanxi’. Literally ‘Guanxi’ means “being closed into a system”.

Not without reason, the term Guanxi often isn’t translated into English. In some occasions Guanxi is translated as ‘networking’, but that doesn’t really get to the deeper meaning of the word. While networking is based on knowing which person does what, Guanxi is based on the right to ask for a favour. Furthermore, Guanxi relates to someone’s background, work relations, family matters and relations that have nothing to do with friendship. Being aware a favour from the other party can be asked for, is the essence of Guanxi. Read the rest of “It’s not only friendship that creates Guanxi” or post a comment

By Huiping Iler

With the Beijing Olympics now fewer than 90 days away, travelers lucky enough to get tickets – or those just wanting to see the city hosting the Games – along with business people wanting to expand are thinking about China.

China’s long history and rich culture have helped shaped the formation of its modern society. Although China has come a long way in the last 30 years, just because “Prison Break” is a hit show and young people wear blue jeans doesn’t mean that it isn’t culturally very distinct.

As such, visitors for both business and pleasure must consider that culture when going to China, and being aware culturally can make a trip there more successful.
Read the rest of “A few things to know before visiting China” or post a comment

Across industries, it is noticeable that the type of research commissioned is markedly different from the situation in Europe and North America. In the West, research reflects the objectives of companies operating in mature markets, who want to establish customer loyalty, achieve differentiation through branding, monitor the satisfaction of their employees, develop new concepts or segment their target audience…

Read the rest of ”Business to Business Market Research in China - Part I” or post a comment >>

By Thomas Chow

The International Law News, which is the American Bar Association’s publication for the International Law Section, recently published an article by Law Professor Richard Gruner entitled “Intellectual Property in the Four Chinas”.  Now, you might be wondering if there are four Chinas in the first place since most people think there is one China.  If you are a firm supporter of Taiwan, which is technically the Republic of China, that would give you two Chinas at best.

On that note, Professor Gruner argues astutely:

The analysis of IP laws and their enforcement in China has been hobbled by oversimplifying China itself. A number of astute observers of the developing business environments . . .
Read the rest of “Intellectual Property Enforcement in “Four Chinas”?” or post a comment