Cultural Differences in China

Cultural Differences in China

The article is written by a friend:

Working in China before meant double or sometimes triple the original salary and higher incentives, plus family expenses and other everyday expenditure all in the company’s account. Even so, most Taiwanese were still unwilling to go to the undeveloped country, even if both share the same language, common background, and similar culture. However, with globalization and cheaper labor, China metamorphoses into a place where everyone wants to play a role, even Burberry. Although the Prince of Wales also joined in the criticism against the British lifestyle brand, the focus of the company has been shifting to Asia, where the popularity is growing. Same as other non-Chinese companies, they would send at least one person from the Headquarter to represent, and for most of the time, to act behalf of the head office in the alienated country. For others, working in a foreign country sounds fascinating, but behind the scenes, people perhaps need some time to overcome the cultural differences.

Based in the Western worlds, many would send someone with Asian background to their Eastern office as their representative because this person knows more about the company's value, and therefore, helps passing down the message quickly in an unfamiliar country. Or, they could favor jointed venture with the local or with someone with Asian understanding. For example, Jacque and Laurent Pourcel, the three Michelin stars owner for "Le Jardin des Sens" in Montpellier, France, opened the first European gourmet restaurant in the world’s fastest growing city on 2004 with a Taiwanese partner. Positioned for Shanghai’s top consumers, "Sens & Bund" provides a cross-cultural sense and sensibility for the Metropolis. On one hand it preserves the French atmosphere and character, but on the other, it also adds some Chinese elements and flavors.

Recently, with the merging of assorted companies and moving their industries into China, finding a job in Taiwan becomes more and more difficult. Therefore, an increasing number of Taiwanese, with or without experience, prefer to work in China even with the same or lower pay. True, the arrival of any Taiwanese staff in a company was once highly appreciated, but now, it is often not the case. Indeed, the Chinese probably needs someone older and wiser to tell them what to do in the beginning, but however, as the years go by and they become more and more advanced, the non-Chinese executives may soon lost their values. Moreover, mass population symbolizes greater competition, and thus, the Chinese perhaps prefer to save their knowledge and skills for themselves in order to extend their existences.

Whereas in other countries where the company culture, environment, human relationship, and other m atters influence an employee’s performance, self development, too, becomes one of the most important factors. Nowadays, bilingual talents convert into popularity with the number of foreign invested companies progressively situated in Shanghai and Beijing. Besides, foreign-invested firms synonym higher benefits, better training, and additionally, an opportunity to practice one’s English, and if the company HQ locates in non-English-speaking countries, then another foreign language as well. Taking Peugeot Citroen as an example, because it is a French-based company, English becomes the official language, but the Chinese possibly tries to learn French, while the non-local executives might prefer to practice their Chinese.

Similar to the big cities, with various plants still building and under construction in Kunshan, people would think that JCC Kunshan as well faces high turnover rate and encounters difficulty for staff recruiting, but in fact, this fails at JCC Kunshan. Indeed, JCC first established in Taiwan, and therefore, is a Taiwanese-owned company. As a result, many predict that there must be several Taiwanese executives in Kunshan, as it is the case in the Fuzhou Plant, however, this thought is again another mistake. Locals, in reality, mostly run JCC Kunshan, and although the Team is young, they own an enormous ambition. Started to work at JCC Kunshan when they were then interns, the now middle-level management, after seeing pictures from the Ford Q1 Ceremony for JCC Fuzhou on April 2006, targets that one day, not only can consumers find Kunshan products in daily lives around the globe, but also a Q1 Flag or its equivalence in the Kunshan Plant. Even though there are also some possible cultural differences that needs overcoming, but with various assistance from Fuzhou, may be one day the Dream will come true.

China

China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially opened to the world from 1980 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that need to be improved before it can match the level that most tourists would require.

However, much of the fun remains in that it is different from the rest of the world. China will be the host nation for the Olympics in Year 2008. Travel facilities and infrastructure will be improving quickly as we approach year 2008.

China is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th century European buildings in Qingdao - there is so much to do and see in China!

Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:

Entry Visa

China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.

Climate

Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared with the right seasonal clothing.

Foreign Exchange

The unit of currency is known as Renmembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12-2pm.

Payment Facilities

Most better class hotels and shopping centres take credit card or travellers cheques. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once out of the bigger cities, credit card and A TM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade.

Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel a texture difference where counterfeit notes are concerned.

Understanding of English

Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.

Most signboards and notices will carry both English and Chinese. However, be aware that translations are notorious for transitions so bad that one can hardly understand what was its original Chinese intention.

Do not expect hotel or shop workers to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.

Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.

Social Security

China is generally a safe country. However, hang on tight to your wallet especially in crowded, popular tourist sites in tourist cities such as Beijing and Xian.

These tourist cities also have a lot of touts in the streets touting everything from currency exchange to jewellers to female companionship. Avoid at all costs!

Domestic Travel

Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are quite well developed. Avoid the crowd at the stations and book your tickets through the hotel tour desk or the nearest tour agent. Prices are likely to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel room. Again, avoid ticket touts who approach you in the streets.

Local buses are cheap (US$0.10 or YS$0.20) and you may want to try them out. Taxis are convenient and are available at all hours. Starting fares differ from each city and may be as cheap as US$0.70 in Weihai and US$1.50 in Shenzhen.

Avoid travel in China during peak holiday seasons or book tickets well ahead.

Local Hotels

There is a good choice of hotels in China ranging from one star to the most luxurious 6 stars. Most

of the time, the rooms are safe and clean and in my opinion, cheap does not mean bad.

There are many websites selling China hotel rooms on the internet. You can also check out the travel counters which are available in most train, bus stations as well as airport.

Book ahead if travelling in peak seasons.

Peak Tourist Seasons

Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February

May Day: First two weeks of May

China National Day: Middle two weeks of October

Avoid travelling during these periods. Book rooms and travel modes way early if you need to travel. Believe me, the crowds during these period of time will be scary. What do you expect when the entire Chinese nation of 8 billion people are on holiday as well!

Chinese Food

Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Chinese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will have a menu that include photographs of the various dishes. Better yet, simply point at the food that the next table is having, especially if it looks delicious!

However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly from the taps if you have delicate stomach.

Telecommunications

Mobile phone coverage in China is good in most locations. Global auto-roaming within China is not a problem.

Internet

There are cyber-cafes everywhere in China, especially in tourist areas. Most are patronised by young people playing online games but you still can check your Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. Access may be a bit slow for international websites.

You will need to show your passport as China has tight regulations at Internet Cyber Cafes.

Toilet facilities

One of the worst experiences many people have with China is the atrocious toilet facilities. Things have improved very much but it may still be a good idea to empty your stomach or bladder at every opportunity in a hotel, restaurant or departmental store. Public toilets and toilets in small shops can be a nose hazard!

Useful China Travel Tips

Try to get a English speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. China has a rich and wonderful history and culture and without a guide, somehow, the flavour and significance of most

tour sites can be lost.

*Sneaky tip: Hang around a group that has a English speaking guide if you cannot afford one!

Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind in the taxi.

Try to take the namecard for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will have a Chinese address and the map of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back as the English version or pronunciation of a hotel or a street name may be quite different from the Chinese version.

After a tiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese TuiNa (Chinese massage). Wonderful for the body after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Simply look out for shop signs that show two feet! They are everywhere.

Make friends with the Chinese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buy a small present as a small token of appreciation.