Analyse of Chinese cultural system, its implications for cross-cultural management and the French business people who want to deal with Chinese counterparts

Résumé du document

We naturally view the world from our own perspective and critically analyze that is different. Anything does not correspond to our perspective looks "abnormal", "inferior" or we don't feel comfortable or we are "afraid". But most perspectives are "normal" and respectable. People just have their own sources of of references and everyone think it is universal. If we don't know foreigners we will never be able to communicate with them: it is not only a matter of custom, language, food, etc. It is the understanding the influence of cultural factors on human behavior for which we must "think global and act local". If your partner discovers that you know his culture it will bring you a decisive "plus". That is why we decided to analyze the Chinese cultural system, and then reveal the implications for cross-cultural management and finally come up with a special training for the French business people who deal with their Chinese counterparts.

Extraits

[...] Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first. Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return. Introductions are formal. Use formal titles. Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings. The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly. Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision Courtesy rules to respect Firstly during a meeting Always present your business card, gifts with both hands, traditional courtly style. [...]

[...] Always escort your visitors back to their car or, at least, to the street. Secondly at a restaurant In a restaurant the host goes first, then the guests. Do not discuss business at meals. Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host. As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered. Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death. [...]

[...] It is a stake when foreigners plan to do business with Chinese. Certain people utilize an alternated mode of communicating without moments of silence before speaking like Britishs, Germans, Dutchs, and Americans. Some utilize an overlap mode of talking crossing moments of speech like Frenchs, Africans, and Eastern Europeans The Chinese culture : a “masculine” culture A masculine culture is based on general values oriented towards possession and success. People generally promote men at responsibility positions within families and companies. [...]

[...] Nous condamnons vos mœurs, nous blâmons vos usages Les nôtres sont pour vous absurdes et sauvages. D.A.F de Sade, La double épreuve Nowadays International business for companies is an unavoidable perspective, business is global. Companies' future and development depend on import/export activities worldwide and companies that don't export must, at least, find suppliers abroad. Moreover currently competition or alliances often come from foreign countries and more and more executives are working or travelling abroad. So what are the current stakes? Doing business with foreigners creates a multitude of cross-cultural situations and relationships. [...]

[...] Refer to a Chinese agent could be easier for you to introduce your products. Avoid taboos subjects and respect the legislation. References 1. Cross-cultural Management course, taught by Vincent Beauséjour, at the IAE of Lyon in Introduction to intercultural relationships, an international seminar taught by Thierry Savatier, TSR Consulting, January 2009-03- Geert Hofstede, Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values, published in 1980-1991 and 2001, Beverly Hills: sage Bond M. H. and Hwang K. K. (1986), The Social Psychology and Chinese People, in Bond M. [...]