What Are The Cultural Differences Between Us And China

Many cultural factors will likely impact business operations between American and Chinese companies. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between the host and home country in order to successfully manage Chinese locals and expatriates. The differences between US and China regarding values, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism and masculinity have a strong impact on all aspects of business. American companies must take into consideration how these dimensions affect differences in human resources, negotiation styles, recruiting, hiring, managing, motivating, promoting, marketing, and communication with Chinese companies. Being informed about the differences educated about these differences and finding ways

In this dimension, American and Chinese cultures have similar rank. China is considered to have low uncertainty avoidance with a rank of 40, meaning they accept ambiguous situations and are not deterred by them. In China, there are a lot of rules and regulations to avoid ambiguous or uncertain situations, however they are willing to change the rules when it necessary. If any uncertain situations coming out during business set up period or the teamwork period, face-to-face communication would be the best way for coworkers to clarify and solve the

China ranks 20 in the individualistic dimension, meaning that Chinese workers are highly collectivist and think as a group versus individually. This is the opposite from American society which ranks 60, meaning they have the tendency to look after themselves, value democracy and personal achievement. Japan also has a low individualism ranking, which reflects the emphasis on group decision-making. Japan is similar with China that value the collectivist society. Base on the differences between China and America in this dimension, American employees who working at the branch in China should pay more attention on team work. Individual opinion and democracy is accepted, but sometime might go along to get along.

For the Masculinity ranking, China scored a value of 66 which means Chinese has assertiveness, materialism, and a lack of concern features. On the other hand, Chinese workers will often treat work more important than family or any other individual leisurely activities.

After analysis Chinese culture in Hofstede’s four Value Dimensions, the fifth dimension – long-term/short-term dimension is occupying an important position in Chinese culture.