Cultural
Context
Chinese have a high-context culture. Their relationships depend on trust and are building up slowly and stable. Besides that, the social structure and authority are centralized; person at the top will work for the good of the group. During interaction, Chinese normally will use many non-verbal elements such as voice tone, facial expressions, gestures and eye movements. Chinese are sensitive to conflict occurred during communication. Therefore, their disagreements are personalized. Chinese also practice collectivism which is a type of cultural value that contrasts with more Western emphasis on individualism. The Chinese have also been deeply affected by Confucianism, which emphasizes the importance of interdependent relationships. Thus, the Chinese tend to create work teams, with tasks assigned to these groups rather than to individuals. The Chinese have a great respect for fixed hierarchy relationships. They even have a virtue, called “li”, which means both propriety and ritual. This involves showing respect for others and accepting the obligations that come with one’s position in the hierarchy.
Legal and Ethics
- Legal for
Chinese
China is a popular topic for legal due to the vastness of the country
and China has played an important role in the world economy over the last fifty
years. Moreover, China has a propensity to serve as the basis for debates on
legal topics ranging from intellectual protection to human rights. The legal
system in the China can be divided into several parts, which include administrative
law, criminal law, civil & commercial law, economic law, social law,
litigation law and others. The Chinese legal system can also be broken down
into several parts in terms the level of enforcement allowed into it. For
example, the constitution and laws are legislated by National People’s Congress
(NPC) at the highest level; regulations are announced by state council, rules
and provisions are announced by ministries and commissions, with regional
governments also announcing rules and provisions at the lowest level.
National People's Congress (NPC) in China
- Ethics for
Chinese
The tradition of
Chinese ethical thought is centrally concerned with questions about how one
have to live: what goes into a worthwhile life, how to weigh duties between
family and duties toward strangers, whether human nature is affected to be
morally good or bad, the extent to which one have to become involved in
reforming the larger social and political structures of one's society, and how
one could conduct oneself when in a position of influence or power. The
personal, social, and political are often intertwined in Chinese approaches to
the subject.
Social Customs
- Concept of Time and
Space
In Chinese, time is known as “shi”, which original means “timeliness” or “seasonality” that affects both time and space. In other words, the
Chinese idea of time is understood within the specific space. In Chinese
chronologies, time is not counted from a single date but from repeated
historical beginnings, the foundation of a dynasty or a royal family.
- Values
a) Confucianism is part of the ancient tradition upon which Chinese culture is derived. There are four basic virtues considered the cornerstones of this philosophy and they focus on loyalty, respect for parents and elders, benevolence, and righteousness.
b) Education is most highly esteemed in Chinese
society. This value can be traced to the Confucian concept that “He who
excels in learning can be an official.”
Education is very important for Chinese.
Chinese students' graduation
c) Chinese consider gifts as an important part to show courtesy. It is appropriate to give gifts on occasions such as festivals, birthday, wedding or visiting a patient. As with most cultures, it is polite and often expected that you thank the giver of the gift.
Chinese gives present while visiting their friend's house.
- Beliefs
1. Buddhism
Buddhism developed into three sections, namely the
Han, Tibetan and Southern Buddhism. It influences the local culture on three
main aspects: literature, art and ideology.
Statue of Buddha
2. Confucianism
Statue of Confucius Confucianism is just an ethical
and philosophical system, which developed from Confucius’ thoughts and later
was treated as a kind of belief to educate common people. Based on the Four
Books and Five Classics, the traditions and principles in the Confucianism
played an important role in the formation of Chinese people’s thinking patterns
and teaching methods.
Statue of Confucius
3. Taoism
Taoism influenced the local culture deeply, especially
on traditional medicine and literature.
Ying Yang Taoism Sign
- Manners
Chinese people greet with a handshake, accompanied by a slight bow (not like Japan, where there is a big bow) and nod their head. Moreover, they address a person using his or her family name.
- Business and
Social Settings
Try to avoid physical contact with the opposite sex members when doing business with Chinese business people. In the business context, a handshake is acceptable. When you meet someone new, they may give you a business card. Make sure you accept the card with both hands as this shows your respect to others. In a formal setting, try not to interrupt a Chinese person when they are speaking.
Chinese accept business card with both hands.
- Respect to Authorities
Chinese tend to ask the senior to decide who is right when they are in dispute. In Chinese society, it is normal for three or four generations live in the same house. Juniors always respect the seniors and the seniors take care of the juniors.
Non Verbal Communication
- Gestures
The common gestures among Chinese are:
a) Point a person using your entire as pointing with a
single finger is an accusatory gesture and considered rude.
b) To call someone come over, hold your palm down and
wave your fingers towards your body. This can only be used for people younger
than you.
c) If you want to say no, hold one's hand up near the
face and slightly waving. Shaking your fist at someone indicates anger.
d) In Southern
China, people say thank you by tapping two fingers on the table.
Tapping two hands on table to show gratitude to the person who helps you.
Chinese show clasped hands which means "Gong Xi" during Chinese New Year.
*Gong Xi = Congratulations
Chinese number gestures from one to ten.
- Personal
Appearance
Chinese business people in this generation wear Western-style
business suits. Women should generally wear a conservative skirt and blouse or
a suit in neutral colours while men should wear dark coloured, conservative
business suits.
Chinese male formal business attire.
Conducting
Business
- Business Negotiation
In Chinese culture,
only senior members in the negotiating team will speak. For Chinese, business
negotiation occurs in a slow progress and decision making may needs some times.
They needs time to determine whether if relationships can develop better to a stage
that makes both parties comfortable to do business together. Chinese are normally to beat about the bush,
they will not directly say “no” but they will say “we will think about it”.
Business negotiation in China
- Business Meetings and Discussion
Doing business always
involves meeting, greeting and negotiating with people. Chinese meetings
usually begin with small talk to make everyone feel comfortable to each other.
They do shake hands and slightly nod their head to show understanding. While
doing business with Chinese, body posture should always be formal and attentive
as this shows your self-discipline. It is important to put the business card
you received into a case to show your respect to your client. Furthermore, you
must be punctual while doing business in China as late arrivals are seen as an
insult. Last but not least, never show your anger or frustration while
negotiating with Chinese.
Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong (left) had a handshake with
Chinese former president, Hu Jin Tao (right) while visiting China.
Reference:
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2. http://literati-tradition.com/time.html
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