So, as an American, what do I think is the biggest cultural difference between the two countries? It took a long time to narrow down the scope, because we can get such a detailed encyclopedia will be the final result. But the sweat on the computer has paid off.
These differences will not make one culture better or worse than another. This just shows their differences, which are formed in hundreds of years of history and development. China can trace back to their traditions and customs for thousands of years. The United States is still a small country. It has almost no tradition of its own, but it has become a cultural melting pot, and almost no specific American culture can be said to be universal. This makes both cultures unique and worthy of study and respect.
1. The social structure of China is formal and hierarchical. You know your place in the structure, and you follow the rules. There. There is no access to other areas. In America, this is much more relaxed and informal. It is not uncommon to see people from all social classes interacting and getting to know each other. There are few boundaries in society that are not allowed to cross. If the visiting culture is not aware of this, it may cause problems in business relations.
2. Confrontation/Conflict If you plan to do business in China, or want to stay in China for a long time, it may be helpful to know that the direct way most Americans deal with problems is not China's way. Direct conflict or confrontation on issues is very important. The thing that Ruth needs to speak, respect and respect everyone has replaced this. Even on business issues, it is considered shameful to prove a point and show your correctness and should be avoided.
3. Ego, others, China people pay more attention to collectivity than individualism. America is famous for pursuing individualism, which has become a habit. The root of the conflict with other cultures. A person from China is more inclined to see how their actions affect the whole than how they affect themselves. They are more willing to give up and sacrifice for greater interests. American individualism is its pillar and the reason for its success as a world power, but it needs to be contained when visiting China.
4.Face/Reputation's personal repayment is very important in China. If an action will enlighten someone or destroy repayment, avoid it. When shame occurs, this person sacrifices their work or anything that can cure shame. In America, fame comes and goes overnight, and it usually doesn't matter in the end. The end result is more focus. A person is more likely to neglect his reputation in order to finish his work.
5. Business Relationships When doing business in China, you should be prepared for socializing. As both sides get to know each other better, business becomes secondary. If it delays the contract, as long as the right social time is allocated, it is completely acceptable. In America, business partners are usually more indifferent. There may be some social gatherings, but business is more important, and if necessary, social activities will be sacrificed. Although the United States seems to have changed. The recognition of the network is becoming more and more obvious.
6. Morality and China society attach great importance to people's morality. I didn't get engaged until I was in my twenties. In fact, dating was discovered very early in the life of young adults and was considered appropriate. American culture is much more relaxed, and some people can. Even think that more moral emphasis is needed.
7. China people have a long-standing custom, which is to recognize the dead. Every year, all members of a family will visit the cemetery of each ancestor and pay their respects. In China culture, it is very important to respect ancestors. This is in sharp contrast with most Americans, who seldom know where their ancestors are buried. This may be because most Americans are immigrants, and they have lost information about cemeteries, or cemeteries are in foreign countries. China's culture is much older, and the proportion of immunization is much less.
8. Humility is an obvious virtue in China culture. In America, the success of one's career or personal life is self-evident. Be praised. In the fast-growing business world, most Americans think humility is a sign of weakness. This may be a problem that hurts cross-cultural relations. In another culture, it is very sensitive to comments and behaviors.
9. Time Sensitivity Cross-cultural business can be fruitful when it hinders the completion of work. Most Americans are very sensitive to time. When it comes to meetings and deadlines. If the meeting starts at 2:00, all the parties must attend at that time. People in China don't think that time is absolute, but rather a hint. There is no concern that the meeting starts late or ends at different times. The same applies to deadlines. If a report is due on Friday, an American will wait to receive it before the end of the business day. If it appears in a few days, China people won't worry.
10. In China culture, it is very important to respect the needs of others. You should respect each other. Treat them well. Their needs will be met every time. Unfortunately, this feature has been abandoned in most American circles.