Many Western Managers have difficulties with the low pro-activity level of their Chinese co-workers. The ‘lack of initiative’ frustrates them. This passive attitude is not related to motivation, it roots in the Chinese educational system.

Western education is focused on values like independence and creativity. Exchanging ideas and discussing advantages and disadvantages of certain solutions are important parts of our education system(s). Taking initiative and asking questions are encouraged.

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Data collection in China is an area around which a number of ‘urban myths’ have developed. The most common of these is the statement that Chinese people (businesspeople or consumers) are unwilling to provide information over the telephone, and that face-to-face interviews are necessary in the majority of cases.

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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.

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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.

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A simple taxi ride from Shanghai to Suzhou put me very much in mind of developing contracts with Chinese – even the simplest of contracts. Very seldom in business do Chinese adhere to the Letter of the Law, while they exorcise its Spirit at their earliest convenience. And if the agreement is verbal, then watch out!

The deal was this: for 300RMB – including tolls – the Shanghai driver would take me to Suzhou …

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