"Culture is beneath awareness in the sense that no one bothers to verbalize it, yet it forms the roots of action. It...likens an iceberg, with its largest implicit part beneath the water."
How to Deal With the Fear of Making Mistakes in Cross - Cultural Situations
When an empathetic U.S. executive tries to learn about the Chinese culture and is filled with useful information, one of two things usually happens. In one instance, he may be emboldened by the knowledge and is ready to face the challenge. In another instance, as I frequently hear, "I don't know what to do now. I don't want to offend someone. But I also don't want to appear always compromising. When should I push hard and when not to? I feel like more confused today than yesterday."
Four Things You Need to Do to Build Trust in Cross - Cultural Teams
Recently I conducted a team-building workshop for a R&D group in a multinational company that is rapidly expanding its operations in China. Very early on in the workshop, one participant raised the question that almost everyone else also had but didn't ask: "why should I trust them?" "Them" is their Chinese colleagues who are learning the crafts from them. At the top of his mind is job security. Although the charter for the Chinese R&D team is to develop products for the Chinese market, he was not convinced that it would not affect his own job in the U.S.
Management Style Differences between China and the U.S
A question I often receive from considerate Chinese managers working with the U.S. is: "When is a good time to call Americans after work? Is 10PM too late?" The inquirers most likely have run into obstacles before realizing that in the U.S. people don't want to be called around the clock for work. This is in contrast to China where economy is growing at a breakneck pace and long work hours are normal business. It also stems from the culture that work and life are not distinctly separated. A recent news highlighting the cultural clash that holds back Chinese companies in Brazil articulated this same issue. The attitude towards time management and work - life balance is obviously very different in China, the U.S. and Brazil.
Managing Teamwork in U.S. – China Cross – Cultural Teams
A client of mine is a large global company with diverse teams made up of nearly as many Americans as Chinese. Besides the many other challenges, a typical complaint goes like this: the Chinese think their U.S. colleagues focus too narrowly on their own jobs and do not help out each other. And the Americans think the Chinese stretch themselves too thin, are disorganized and unproductive. What exactly are they talking about and why is this the case?
Four Strategies to Negotiate with the Chinese
Engaging in a negotiation with the Chinese can be a confusing and frustrating experience for a lot of people. It seems, some observed, that many of the rules and strategies that are commonly assumed do not work any more. Keeping in mind the following four strategies can help you better anticipate and develop plans to achieve your goals.
How Can Chinese Companies Succeed in the U.S.
Recently I conducted a research study trying to find some answers to the question "How can Chinese companies and executives succeed in the U.S.". During the study, I interviewed 30 executives and senior managers from Chinese and U.S. companies that have intimate knowledge about this topic.
Understanding Chinese Trust and Mistrust
Many U.S. companies feel that reaching a deep level of trust with Chinese companies is very hard. They sense that in the U.S., you are "innocent until proven guilty", while in China, you are "guilty until proven innocent". Foreign employees who work inside Chinese companies also report that they can be excluded from key decision-makings and may be limited in their career path due to the fact that they are not Chinese. Do Chinese have an innate feeling of mistrust towards U.S. businesses and individuals? The answer is probably yes. The reasons can be traced in its history and cultural backgrounds.
China's Generational Cultural Change
The "post-80" generation in China is changing aspects of the traditional Chinese values and business culture. They are more individualistic, independent and confident compared to their elders. Though still too young to be in the position to lead, their influence on the business culture is starting to be felt.
Corporate Culture or Local Culture
How do we find the balance to satisfy both our corporate culture and the local culture? Respecting local customs and practices makes it easier to do business overseas. But it is not without risk when the corporate rules are in sharp contrast to the local rules.
The Importance of Being Curious
What do the resumes of top CEOs have in common? A new study reveals that the answer is International business experience. Living and traveling overseas alone, however, does not automatically gains you the advantage of managing complex global businesses. The key lies in the attitude and skills in developing perspectives through the lens of the other cultures. This calls for an accurate sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness and a motivated interest in all things foreign.
Humor - Friend or Foe When Crossing Borders?
Does humor translate across cultures? Is it safe to presume that a joke is a joke, regardless where you come from? Not quite. Humor is intuitive, situational and culturally based. The moment you start to analyze a joke, it is no longer humorous.
Google and Face
Has Google achieved its objective by publicly confronting the Chinese government's censorship policy? Did it plan to sacrifice its business all along, or is it caught off-guard by the aftermath of its decision? Loss of face has a high cost of doing business with the Chinese, and remembering its importance can help you find alternative solutions to thorny problems.
Gan Bei, Cheers and More
Building personal relationships is key to doing business with the Chinese. Say you find yourself in the company of your Chinese business partner over a private dinner. This is a golden opportunity to get to know each other and establish personal rapport. What should you do and say to make sure the dinner ends on a high note?