Lessons in Communication A Study of the Integration of Western Business

Philosophy & Chinese Culture

European Chamber of Commerce Pearl River Delta

Shangri-La Hotel, Futian, Shenzhen

August 26, 2010

  Research Methodology

  Themes covered in the book

  Communication

  Culture

  Misunderstandings

  Lessons – “Takeaways”

 Experience: Four years of notes, study & analysis of my experience as an executive

 Surveys

 Interviews   A 20-question survey   Distributed to 30 Western Executives

  Multiple industries

  Shenzhen, Shanghai, Guangzhou

①  Performance Management

②  Participatory Management

③  Compensation

④  Morale

⑤  Office Culture (the Informal Network)

⑥  Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, & Critical Analysis

⑦  Independent Thinking & Creativity

  It works in New York & London, so it will work in China, right? WRONG !

  Contracts are often the first step for a relationship in China, not the first step in executing a deal

  Chinese Culture & Western Business collide – what next?

  Crash Course for Foreigners

  Misunderstandings: lack of knowledge of Chinese culture, history, language

  Culture Confusion: To strengthen communication and relationships, foreigners need to study the culture and history

  Assumptions: Westerners working in China are not “at home” and wrongly make many assumptions on how to work with a Chinese business partner or company

1)  Accountability: maintain morals

2)  Focus on Values

3)  Ethics 4)  Do not make assumptions

5)  Be patient

6)  It is OK to ask Chinese friends for advice

7)  Study the culture 8)  Learn Mandarin

9)  Ask Questions

I hope you enjoy the book!

doug.menelly@gmail.com

www.menelly.com

Book also Available at Amazon.com (Kindle, iPad, etc)