Chinese Business Culture Essay

In accordance with our theories, it is necessary for Western exporters to learn about the Chinese business culture in order to be successful in marketing in China. There is an old Chinese proverb, â€Å"Enter village, follow customs†. The Chinese civilization has a long history and evidence shows that the way to get things done in China is to do it in the Chinese way. Chinese business culture is the key to the Chinese way of doing business and their style of negotiating (Fang 1998, p. 71). In this chapter, we aim to provide a framework to help those Western exporters get a better understanding of Chinese people’s business culture. 1. 0 Influence of Confucianism The Chinese culture encompasses diverse and competing philosophies, of which, Confucianism has been identified as the foundation of China’s great cultural tradition. Confucian values emphasis on interpersonal relationship and has provided Chinese business people with a relationship-based business approach (Bond & Wang 1983). An ordinary Chinese person would also agree that business and marketing in China is about relationships to a great extent. The principle of harmony and trust in Confucianism reflects an aspiration toward a conflict-free and group-based system of social relations, and also means that communication in a business negotiation should be harmonious. Further, the principle of hierarchy emphasizes that each individual should be conscious of her or his position in the society, which is also evident in a business negotiation in China, especially in a decision-making process. (Bond & Wang 1983) 2. 0 Guan Xi The Chinese term guan xi, rooted from Confucianism and translated into relationships or connections, is one of the most important traits of Chinese business culture, referring to the concept of drawing on connections or networks in order to secure favours in personal or business relations (Davies et al. 1995). It is a set of concentric circles of contacts, typically stretching from close family, to distant, to more distant relatives, to classmates, to friends, to friends’ friends, and so forth. In the Chinese business world, networking of guan xi is a peculiar advantage which can contribute a variety of commercial privileges and a great deal of business potentials for the marketer. This approach contrasts sharply with the deal-focused, task-oriented business cultures of North America and northern Europe (Gesteland & Seyk 2002). Therefore, to establish a great guan xi with the Chinese counterpart, partners, customers, even the Chinese authorities and government should be an extremely important marketing strategy of Western exporter that wants to be successful on the Chinese market. 3. 0 Establishing a relationship Being relationship-focused, Chinese prefer to deal with family, friends, and persons who they know well and who they can trust. They are uncomfortable talking business with strangers, especially strangers who also are foreigners (Gesteland & Seyk 2002). For this reason, the first step of business negotiation in China takes a lot of time outside of the office for socializing. The Chinese invite foreign guests for dinners, sightseeing, and other activities in order to facilitate the process of getting to know each other. The Chinese will want to know about this foreign company, its reputation and its management, and will be especially interested in the background, rank and personality of the individual foreign executives making the visit. A Western executive may become impatient with this step, both out of pressure to reach a deal quickly and out of the desire to separate business from the private aspect. However, what the Chinese are really doing at this stage is to test the sincerity, intelligence and deference of their prospective business partner before considering doing business with him or her. (Fang 1998) 4. 0 Attitudes to contracts Confucianism’s principles of interpersonal relationship and trust can even make many Chinese business people put relationships before contract (Alston & He 1996). Many Chinese believe that risk in the business can be minimized by developing a quality relationship of guan xi with their business partners. They are more likely to see a contract as a basis of relationship rather than a legal document. Most of the Chinese executives involved in international business realize that Western executives require formal documents in which delivery dates, responsibilities and procedures are explicitly stated and will respect the clauses which they have agreed to. While the Chinese tend to think that, once a relationship has been established, future problems can be solved without legal recourse. And the Chinese are inclined to prefer agreements that are less detailed than the Westerner. Because, for them, changes are anticipated and those detailed contracts can become relatively useless. (Alston & He 1996) Therefore, for a Western exporter, it would be wise to follow the Chinese model and only enter into business relationships with partners one knows and trusts. 5. 0 Face Another important Chinese cultural trait is the Chinese concept of face. In China, face is one’s good reputation in others’ eyes, one’s self-respect, dignity and prestige. If a Chinese is insulted, embarrassed, shamed or criticized in public, he or she will lose face. People can also give their counterpart face by making compliments and doing small favours. Giving face is an effective way to build a solid relationship (Gesteland & Seyk 2002). Face issue is also evident in a Chinese business negotiation context. In the business world, negotiations should be conducted to assure that the Chinese counterparts keep face. Because of face consciousness, a Chinese negotiator would refuse to make any concession. Some of the many delays that Western business negotiators encounter are caused by the Chinese counterpart’s unwillingness to risk losing face. A lot of evidence has shown that a great deal will be gained by helping the Chinese to win face and a great deal will be lost by any slight action which may cause the Chinese losing face. As a result, cognition of the Chinese concept of face plays a critical role in successfully doing business with the Chinese. (Fang 1998) 6. 0 Holistic thinking In general, the Chinese have a deductive cognition, which means reasoning based on theory and logic (Brake et al. 1995). The Chinese are highly deductive in their assessment of opportunities and problems. They usually want to be introduced to a new product, service or other business opportunity by way of a theory. This theory should provide them with a straightforward overview of the opportunity. The meaning and application of the principles of this theory should then be demonstrated with data and facts, although quantitative justification and analysis play a less important role in China than in many inductive Western business environments. Chinese people are likely to be resistant to business proposals which are not presented first in a logical form. (Brake et al. 1995) 7. 0 Speech acts As China has a high-context culture, hinting is an exceedingly common way of communication for the Chinese. Sometimes, Chinese speakers feel that they have been very frank with a clear hint, while the Western listeners still can’t catch the point at all. Elements of â€Å"atmosphere† surrounding the conversation, such as previous experience, hierarchy and many other cultural factors modify the literal meaning of a Chinese speaker’s sentences. For example, â€Å"I agree† might mean â€Å"I agree with 15 percent of what you say†. And â€Å"We might be able to† could mean â€Å"Not a chance†. What is said is often not what the listener is expected to understand. This is one of the biggest culture shocks in many business negotiations between the Westerner and the Chinese (Johnston 1991, p. 209).

My personal brand Essay

My personal brand is that I am super energetic in my job. When I was working as a sale assistance in a large retail store, I would always keep my mind that I need to be cheerful and energetic in doing my job, so the customers could feel my passion and caring. This can be help me to avoid those negative emotion and things, makes me to be more productive in work. I would think that is one of the most important strengths of my personal brand. Another strength is that I am willing to learn and communicate with others. Although I am not a fast learner, I will put more effort in order to achieve the result. Also, a good relationship with colleague would make all the things much easier. Therefore, I am energetic in communicating with others and having a connection with them. My weakness is that I am not a fast learner, but I am willing to learn. In order to strengthen my personal brand, there are several actions I could do. First of all, in order to have a good communication with others, language is the most important thing. Improving my English level could help me to have a better connection with others. Also, understand the history of Australia can help me to overcome the barriers of culture difference. Secondly, attending the networking events could help me to build a relationship with different employers. Thirdly, build a personal brand in ‘linked in’ website can help me to connect with others. Also, it can let others to understand who I am.

Land law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Land law - Coursework Example (iv) Removal of ornamental bronze statue of an African elephant and its plinth after contract exchange but before completion date. Mr. Hay without prior knowledge of the impending outcomes went ahead and acquired Bramble Farm from Mr. Major Thorn. He failed to ascertain the legality of the ownership of the land by Major Thorn from the land registry offices which could have helped him get a clear copy of the any other owner of the land. According to Land Registration Rules 2003,1 inspection of the land ownership is allowed to ascertain true ownership. The above issues ought to be dealt accordingly as discussed below so as Mr. Hay remains the legal and owner of Bramble farm, without impending conflicts. Rose having been in possession for ownership for the Land for a similar period as Major Thorn has equal rights to the land and therefore was legal entity that could have been consulted prior to the sale agreement. According to the Land Registration Act 2002,2 Rose having in possession o f the land for more than ten years is deemed by law as a legal partner in the farm. The advantage with Mr. Hay is that according to the land registry document, Rose is not recognised as a proprietor; therefore, Mr. Hay has no legal obligation binding him towards the claimed contribution towards the purchase of the land. Having no legal registration of the land only means that Rose is obligated to his partner and therefore cannot claim anything from the new owner. On the same note, transfer by way of exchange is legally binding and this confirms Mr. Hay the new owner of the land.3 Since the new ownership has been entered into the registry office, Rose has no right to object the application as evidenced clearly with Lobatiers v Mornington Estates UK Ltd case.4 The lease to Mr. Wood is a major issue that needs to be dealt legally. According to section 60(1) of the land registration rules 2003, the leasehold ought to have been transferred with regard to the new owner of the farm.5 With no prior clear information regarding the agreement of the leasehold, and the agreement of sale of the cottage in the event of ownership exchange: Mr. Hay has the right to sue Major Thorn of not disclosing all the information regarding the registration of ownership of the land. This will make sure he is reimbursed the damages he will encounter in the event of selling the cottage. According to the Baxter v. Mannion [2010] EWHC (Ch),6 since Mr. Wood has not been in possession of the lease for a period of ten years, he has no legal right to claim ownership of the cottage with regard to his agreement to the old owner. Critically analyzing the case of use of shortcut, to the local pub by the neighbours, it is imperative that the new owner comes out clearly on the private property ownership rights.7 As a matter of facts, being the current and legal owner of the Bramble Farm, Mr. Hay has the right to use the portion of the land at his swill. Therefore, the neighbor is not right by claiming he has the right to pass through the shortcut without the permission of the new owner on the basis that he had per mission from the former. According to section 118 of the Land Registration rules 2003 to acquire a legal determination of the exact line of boundary.8 These will culminate to the acquiring of a plan, or a plan and a verbal description of the exact boundary to the farm. Further, Mr. Hay should erect a fence or a barrier to the side where the

Movie - essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movie - - Essay Example It also provides difficult lessons that Robert McNamara learned about modern war when he was the United States’ Secretary of Defense. In addition, it involves a study of moral complexities in conflicts. The documentary can explain common contemporary issues happening in the modern world, especially the Israeli-Palestine war. For example, it focuses on one of the most significant and controversial figures in the government of the United States in the 20th Century (Grothaus 1). The documentary focuses on the war involving Cuba, United States and United Soviet Socialists Union (Grothaus 1). Cuba almost engaged in war with the United Soviets Socialists Union. In addition, the documentary provides methodologies that can be adopted in times when one has to make a quick decision (Grothaus 1). Moreover, Robert McNamara claims that some war situations might be hard and dilemmatic. However, learning is not possible when dealing with nuclear weapons because any mistake made in the process would be highly consequential.As directed by Errol Morris, the film focuses on eleven lessons that can be learned from Robert McNamara’s life. Some of the lessons learned are decisions concerning critical situations in events of war. The first lesson is to empathize with your enemy. Consequently, it is necessary for the Israelis to sympathize with Palestinians and vice versa. Empathy will allow leaders from both divide to acknowledge that civilians are the most affected (Merip 1). The lesson analyses the need to view the world according to enemies’ perspective. The situation help understand their opinions concerning certain conflict situations. The approach also helps in comprehending their thinking and decision making process. For instance, McNamara illustrates one of the major events that took place when he was the Secretary of defense. The Cuban Missile Crisis illustrates the increased likelihood of Cuba exchanging nuclear weapons

Advise Barry, Edna and Gwen of their rights Essay

Advise Barry, Edna and Gwen of their rights - Essay Example The following day Les took the title deeds to a cottage he owned in Southport and wrote on them ‘All this now belongs to Edna’. In July 2009, Les was diagnosed with cancer. He said to his mistress, Gwen: ‘It is my dying wish, Gwen, that you should have my Knightsbridge penthouse apartment. Here are the keys to the apartment and to the deed box which is at my bank. Put them in your bag. My solicitor will sort out the details when I am dead.’ Advise Barry, Edna and Gwen who wish to know whether they are entitled as beneficiaries under completely constituted trusts of, respectively, (i) the watch, (ii) the shares and the cottage, and (iii) the Knightsbridge apartment. In order to advise the parties in the above, it is necessary to determine whether any of the bequests would be regarded as valid. When determining the validity it is necessary to ensure that the dispositions have been fully constituted. Within the law of trusts and bequests certain formalities have to be adhered to in order for the trust document and will to be regarded as valid. As there is no indication in relation to the age and mental status of Lee it will be assumed, in this instance, that the requirements of the Family Law Reform Act 1969 s1(1) have been satisfied. Where a trust is created in a will, the courts will determine the validity by reference to the Wills Act 1837 s9 which was amended by Administration of Justice Act 1982 s. 17. With all bequests, the three certainties need to be present in order for the bequest to be fully constituted. The three certainties are certainty of intention1, certainty of subject matter2 and certainty of objects3. Intention can be inferred from the wording in the will, and it is therefore important to ensure clarity when making a will. The case or Re Kayford demonstrates that the word trust does not need to be included in the wording of the will in order for the

Housing Prices in Australia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Housing Prices in Australia - Research Paper Example The headline says: "Government policies, charges 'stifling' housing growth." The report says that "the Property Council of Australia is warning of a looming housing shortfall as prices and taxes increase." The surge in median house prices in the last seven years has shut many people out of the market, ABC News quoted the Council as saying. The report however is on Western Australia and not on the whole of Australia, but still there has to be concern to avoid a possible downturn. From a stable property market, there is a trend of slowing down due to circumstances or causes that are the primary focus of this study. However, the situation may not be serious. The causes will be enumerated in the literature review. Property market in Australia is a major source of wealth creation for investors, contributing to the socio-economic well being of all Australians. The Real Estate Institute of Australia states that in the financial year 2005/2006, property sales totaled $186.1 billion. The Institute further said that 67% of Australians owned their houses and 28% rented on the private market. Property affects everybody in Australia. Those who are renting their houses and those who own their houses are a subject of surveys by the prominent institutions in Australia and even from outside Australia. Over the pa The Real Estate Institute of Australia follows and conducts studies and trends in the real estate business in Australia. It is the national professional association for the real estate industry. Over the past years, right after the 1991-1992 economic recession, there has been a stable residential property market in Australia. But there is a growing defect that the Property Council of Australia has warned in its latest press release. This pertains to the higher taxes imposed by the government. 3.0 Purpose and Objectives This study will examine the underlying growth on the property market of Australia and the impact of the higher taxes. Surveys conducted by prestigious organizations like Standard and Poor's and Real Estate Institute of Australia and other similar organizations that have stakes in the property market have revealed a steady growth. This was recorded over the past 35 years by Standard & Poor's and the years preceding the 1991-1992 economic crisis. We will also study the present policies of government over real estate and their imposition of charges and taxes, whether these taxes or fees are bearable by the general public. The people who are at stake here are those who own or rent their houses. Following are the questions to be answered in the study: 1. Is the stable growth registered by the property

Retail Management Career Path Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Retail Management Career Path Paper - Assignment Example It gives an individual an opportunity to interact with employees and understand their weaknesses and how to improve them (Sims, 2008). This form of skill empowerment is not only important to the organization but is also crucial in improving personal relationships. This is the ability of the human resource manager to maintain focus on the activities that possess the greatest potential of meeting the work commitments. It is an attribute that allows them manager to understands and concentrate on facts that have a greater impact in the meeting of work requirements While other professionals may work from their homes or in pleasant working conditions, an average human resource manager works for a standard 40 hours per week. This is due to the requirements involved in fulfilling the role. These include organizing trainings and concentrating on improving employee output. Human resource managers are required to attend various refresher courses in handling the dynamics of manpower management. The mangers are also expected to work on their individual relation building attributes so as to ensure that they understand the needs of the organization and how to align them with the available manpower (Martin, 2008). Career advancement in the field of human resource goes to the doctorate level. This is the highest point of academic advancement that a human resource manager can archive. There are also training sponsored by renowned human resource trainers in the world. Human resource managers’ are expected to attend such training and receive certifications that are globally recognized (Martin, 2008). The training is tailored to meet the modern requirements in the field of human resource management. The compensation in this field is decided by a number of facts including; education and personal achievements. There is no limit to the nature of compensation that a human resource manager is entitled to. The dynamic involved include the size of the organization, the