Doing business in China. Negotiating cross cultural communication

Seminar paper from the year 2003 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: Distinction, Bond University Australia, language: English, abstract: China is the most populous country in the world with a population of 1.25 billion and the third largest country after Russia and Canada is China. For many this is an opportunity. China is rich in culture and this guide is created to look specifically at cultural dimensions and assist companies with the cross-cultural aspects of doing business in China. As the culture varies from region to region this guide uses a holistic approach. It addresses how the Chinese culture is different from other cultures and demonstrates different situations to consider before doing business in China.

This guide is an adventure divided into six major sections including cultural dimensions, communication cross culturally, negotiation cross culturally, team work in China, selection of expatriates, and business ethics for China. Recommendations are made within each section. The appendix enclosed is also very useful for further explanation of examples given within this guide. Although China is the largest market it is also is one of the greatest cultural challenges. Deeply rooted into the Chinese society is a partnership waiting to blossom. This guide is created to prepare companies for the cross-cultural aspect of the partnership. As the Chinese proverb says each journey begins with one single step.