Are you responsible for preparing print, interactive electronic or visual materials for a client base that is marketing, selling or teaching to other parts of the world?

Those questions and the answers apply to everyone. In a global economy, these are equal-opportunity challenges.

It is becoming increasingly necessary for those who are responsible for the transmission and interpretation of information to educate themselves about what is expected in different cultures.

Read the rest of “Headed for China? Cultural Considerations” or post a comment >>

Living in a Chinese Family

It was one thing to work with Chinese people, have Chinese friends and Chinese clients, but one of my most enriching experiences was living as a member of a middle-class Chinese family.
 
For two years, I was married to a wonderful, beautiful and successful Shanghainese businesswoman, Michelle, who had a seven-year-old daughter.

All I had heard about and read about the Chinese culture, I was able to experience from the inside. Family, friends and health awareness are integral parts of their culture.
 
There are no nursing homes in China. Confucian philosophy dictates the relationship between the son and his parents. It is expected that the son will look after his parents in their old age. A room is set aside for the eventual occupation of his remaining parent in the son’s home. Because of the one-child policy, sons are Read the rest of “China Chapter Eight: China Experience” or post a comment

By Donny Huang

In 2005 numerous public relationship crisises have haunted multinationals operating in China. Big brands such as P&G, Nestle, KFC, Johnson & Johnson, and Sony have suffered severe damage to their brands’ reputation. An analysis of the underlying reason for the problems encountered shows that they are due to a fundamental misunderstanding of the intricacies of Chinese culture on business. This reaches far deeper than most people think. Read the rest of “Mentality, Mindset, Mianzi - How to Avoid a Crisis” or post a comment

By Anyialsup

The change and progress in China are astronomical even to a Chinese native as myself. Every time I go back to visit, I have to ask myself if I am still in the cities that I was familiar with. With the goal of eventually going back to China to develop my career, I believe it is worthwhile to revisit some common business practices and underlining cultural norms in China from an outsider’s point of view. Read the rest of “Doing business in China” or post a comment