Intercultural Business Communication between America and China With globalization going on, China and America, as the first and second largest economic country, have been interacting closely in terms of economy. As we all known, culture plays a critical role in business communication. Understanding the other party’s culture can lead to success of business, while cultural misunderstandings in business activities can be destructive. Therefore, to achieve fruitful results from business interaction, we need to be familiar with both American and Chinese culture. This paper will start with the cultural values of America and China with theories in the field of intercultural research, then focuses on business protocol in these two cultures, and finally offers some keys leading to effective intercultural communication.
In the last 30 years or so, business communications have taken a definite global turn. Business relationships and communication are important on a global scale and understanding the others culture is an important part of knowing how to communicate effectively. Knowing the particular culture of those you are attempting to do business with can make a real difference in how business is conducted and the success or failure of your attempts. Through research, Geert Hofstede noticed differences in national cultures in 5 basic areas: power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity vs. femininity and long term vs. short terms orientation. Having an understanding of these differences and the part they play in cross cultural communications allows a business professional to be able to adjust their style of doing business to better mirror the way the other nation does business.
Arguments and Main hypothesis (Concepts&measurements) 1. How various economic, cultural and political forces affect Chinese society reshaping during the globalization process. 2. Results of transformations in the economy and the society after Mao Tsetung. Brief Literature review: Answer to my puzzle ( Theories&inference) Articles about this topic: 1.
The heavy dependence on retail stores leads to widespread availability of counterfeits which provides a unique challenge and directs towards the importance of having own-stores to ensure the legitimacy of the products. Another problem Shanghai Tang faces now is the need of shift of customer focus from European and American buyers to Chinese customers which will expand the customer base of the company. Even though a lot could be done better the management process of the company is excellent which includes the following i) Design Process: The mixture of both the core collection and seasonal collection maintains a balance between trademark products and the newness factor. The focus on theme and the creative designer as the core adds a lot of value to the design process. ii) Brand Considerations: Focus on the Shanghai Tang DNA leverages the brand equity that has been developed till now but on
The heavy dependence on retail stores leads to widespread availability of counterfeits which provides a unique challenge and directs towards the importance of having own-stores to ensure the legitimacy of the products. Another problem Shanghai Tang faces now is the need of shift of customer focus from European and American buyers to Chinese customers which will expand the customer base of the company. Even though a lot could be done better the management process of the company is excellent which includes the following i) Design Process: The mixture of both the core collection and seasonal collection maintains a balance between trademark products and the newness factor. The focus on theme and the creative designer as the core adds a lot of value to the design process. ii) Brand Considerations: Focus on the Shanghai Tang DNA leverages the brand equity that has been developed till now but on the other hand it limits the creativity of the designers.
DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA Improved international relations, government reforms, an expanding economy and increased foreign investment make doing business in China a potentially lucrative(money making or profitable) affair. Doing business in China means that business people will come into increasingly frequent contact with Chinese business people and officials. It is imperative that those doing business in China learn about areas such business culture, business etiquette, meeting protocol and negotiation techniques in order to maximize the potential of their business trip. In this short guide to doing business in China, a few cultural facts and their influence on business culture and etiquette are explored. These are in no way meant to represent a comprehensive summary of tips on doing business in China but a highlighting of some important key areas one may encounter.
The corporation is currently undertaking plans to expand “its presence in Asia, particularly in China and India” in an effort to leverage the face-paced economic development in these countries to continue growth (Datamonitor, 2011). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) History (Slide 2) The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) relates foremost to “the conceptual challenges raised by scholars and advocates who criticize corporate America’s shareholder primacy ethos” and offered “theoretical insights as to why companies should not be treated solely as their shareholders’ private
Executive Summary Shanghai Tang is a luxury brand company that draws its inspiration from historical Chinese culture. In doing so they were able to capitalize on the intrigue that western nationals felt towards the end of British control of Hong Kong. As people came to visit before Hong Kong became Chinese, they were able to see Chinese fashion influences. Now, the world is making moves into China as they now see the growing potential it has causing a threat to Shanghai Tang’s domestic market while other Chinese inspired companies are threatening their domestic market. If that wasn’t enough the companies long-time creative director, Joanne Ooi, is leaving the company creating a void in the leadership role of the company’s brand vision.
Let me start this case study with a quote from the case: »The foreign impression is that the Chinese act as if they are in the driver's seat.« After carefully reading the case of the failed joint venture negotiations between Electrowide and Motosuzhou, it seems obvious that in order to succeed in a global economy, Electrowide would need to locate production in Asia – the fastest growing economy. So, Chinese companies indeed are »in the driver's seat«, meaning that the foreign companies, which want to enter the Chinese market, have to adapt to their culture in order to succeed there. Not only have to foreign companies try to adapt to the Chinese culture, but they also have to fully understand it. This is obviously not the case with the Electrowide's approach to the joint venture negotiations with Motosuzhou. Electrowide's three-person team to carry out the task of purusing a JV with the Chinese counterparts has a shortage on three areas: 1) business skills (none of them have degrees that would aid in international business relations), 2) language skills (only Ms. Morgan spoke conversational Chinese, but traditional Chinese society is male-centered, so her Chinese can be of little help) and 3) intercultural competence.
Understanding how to achieve international business negotiation outcomes and the factors relevant to the process will allow negotiators to be more successful. Negotiation is an inherent part of being in business. Negotiating is an acquired skill, but is very important part of your role as an entrepreneur. 4 Negotiators from Canada Timber went to Japan for Business negotiation,Tim Wilder-CEO of Canada Timber,John Sharkey-an attorney,Bill Hudak-production supervisor and Kevin Peterson-a regional salesperson. The first negotiator,Tim Wilder-CEO of Canada Timber, As a business owner, negotiations with other businessmen are inevitable.