By Mona Chung

Chinese market has been a highly preferred market for many organisations worldwide in the past twenty years. However, it is not an easy market to penetrate. Australian companies are among those Europeans and Americans who have been tackling the market with little positive results. One primary reason is that they do not appreciate the important role and impact of Chinese culture.

Cultural differences

Many business people argue that there are many similarities between Westerners and Chinese. After all we are all humans; we all understand if we are in business together we need to make profits. Read the rest of “The impact of cultural difference when entering the Chinese market” or post a comment

By David Dayton

Every now and again the real truth comes out. Once while I was in grad school (at the now infamous NIU) writing my thesis on Thai/Chinese Corporate Culture my thesis advisor broke her academic façade and turned to me and said, “It’s all just B.S. isn’t it? I mean, it’s all just bribery, no matter what we call it, right?” She then went back into her academic mode and continued talking about “gift giving” and we never talked about “bribery” again.

Now, without betraying my Anthropological roots, I have to say this: the truth is that business in China is just like business anywhere else. Yes there are some things about the system that make it different from anywhere else too, but those traits are not, I don’t think, non-existent in other business cultures. Read the rest of “Inside Chinese Business–Book Review” or post a comment

By Elaine Winters

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.

As you already understand, educating ourselves about other people means much more than knowing how to order the appropriate dish in a restaurant when entertaining clients from out of town.

Moving around the world professionally — virtually or physically — is a wonderful personal expansion tool; it can become far more productive when coupled with genuine cross-cultural interest. As always, the devil is in the detail.

If you are fortunate enough to be working in a Read the rest of “Headed for China? Cultural Considerations” or post a comment

Ernie Tadla

Food is important in all cultures, but in China, it plays a paramount role as the tool for face and guanxi.

Business eating is where guanxi is established. To get to know another person and to build trust, eating together is necessary. The Chinese don’t eat at their desks, and they don’t rush out to the nearest fast-food joint. It is a specific time for talking and getting to know the other person. Typically, business is not discussed. That’s done during the many business meetings.

The business banquet is the pinnacle of guanxi building, celebrating, and or honoring guests. Read the rest of “China Chapter Seven: Dining in China” or post a comment

It’s that time of the year again. We’re looking back on a spectacular year, so time for some reflection! Hereby we proudly present you the five most read articles of last year, the five most commented on articles and the top-10 list of countries where you, our readers, are from!

5 Most Read Articles: Read the rest of “China Business Success Articles, Top 2007″ or post a comment