By Ron Cune

Every year in December the government announces the dates of national holidays, which vary each year. This year, the festivities in honour of the Dragon Boat Festival were an official day off in China.

During these national holidays, the Chinese people tend to join for a family gathering. In this case, ‘the family’ refers to the parents from father’s side, sons & their wives, unmarried daughters and the grand children. During these gatherings food and banquet-like meals are savoured, people go out to parks or enjoy themselves watching television. Because most families live in different cities, gatherings last usually several days under one roof; quite exhausting in European eyes.

In China as well as the West old traditions are being modernised. However the traditional family value goes strong as ever. This shows not only during the festivities but in day to day life as well. The family values are paramount.
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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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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.
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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 . . .
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Quality Control is a crucial part in the process of importing from China. Pressure on production costs, distance, time and cultural differences make it unavoidable.

Implementing Quality Control allows the importer to :
• Minimize the risks (and associated costs) linked to quality, loading, warehousing or non-compliance issues : “My products have been rejected by customs because the labelling done by my Chinese supplier does not comply with European standards.”

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