Survey-Different Cultures Between Chinese and Western

When I was in College, I did research regarding cultural differences between Chinese and Westerners. Even now, I am interested in this topic. Recently I have completed a small survey on the same topic, but this time more related to company management between Chinese and European firms (as most of you are from the USA, so I welcome your comparison between Chinese and American cultures as well).

However, I believe most of you know some Chinese cultures already, so I would like to know your thoughts on this subject. Feel free to leave your comments.

The questions are:

1. What do you believe are the main differences in terms of individual behaviors between the Chinese culture and the European culture (or American culture)?

2. What are the most critical factors a western company faces when they try to enter the Chinese market (if you have such experience)?

3. What were the most critical factors the European mother company (or American) brought to China. What were the obstacles you had to solve/face when your company entered China ( if you had such experiences) ?

4. Are there any similarities between European organizational behavior and Chinese organizational behavior?

5. What are, in you opinion, the 3 most critical factors in terms of employee management the Western mother company has to commit for a successful business in China?

6. What are, in your opinion, the 3 most critical factors in terms of employee management China can contribute to meet the international standards of the Western mother company?

Thanks in advance and Happy New Year to all of you.

Beijing is Cold

Christmas is almost here, and I am busy shopping for gifts. Even though Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, it’s quickly becoming more and more popular in China, especially in the big cities like Beijing. That’s the major reason that every year I need to buy more gifts for family and friends on Christmas.

Beijing is freezing these days—colder than before, at least that’s my opinion. I keep catching colds in this winter weather…though I’m not sure it’s the weather or physically feeling run down. I just got over headaches and a sore throat from last week, and this week my nose is stuffed. This has limited my outdoor activities, and I don’t feel that well to do things these days. The air in Beijing sucks…good thing for the Olympic Games arriving next year, the government is making a major effort in cleaning up the environment.

Well, not much to write about, but I’m sure I will come back to you whenever there is something interesting. Stay tuned in and Merry Christmas to all!