INTRODUCTION
It is always interesting to study other cultures and it is extremely important to do just that if you are going to have interactions with them, because you don't want to insult someone or embarrass yourself and your own culture. China is one of those interesting cultures, normally we know about this country, through movies or the local Chinese restaurant, but all the things that we have learned is a little bit useless. Only a sincere study of a culture is the way to truly appreciate the differences.
These differences do not make either culture better or worse than the other one. It just shows their differences which has been created through centuries of history and development. China has their traditions and customs for thousands or year. America is still a young nation, it has had very few traditions because there are a mix of cultures so there is almost no specific American culture, this makes both cultures unique and worthy of study and respect.
Social Structure: In china the social structure is more formal an hierarchical than USA. You know where you fit in the structure and you tolerate by rules there. There is no crossing into others areas.
In America, it is more informal than China. It is not uncommon to see those of various social levels socializing and knowing each other. There are very few lines that socially are not allowed to be crossed.
Collective/Individualism: The Chinese looks more at the group collective than at individualism. America has become known for it is push of individualism which has been a source of conflict with other cultures that look collectively. A person from China is more prone to look at how theirs acts affect the whole instead of how it affects them personally. They are more willing to give up and sacrifice for the greater good.
America's individualism has been its backbone and the reason for it is success as a world power.
Reputation: Reputation of the individual is very important in China. If an action will humiliate someone or ruin a reputation , it is avoided. When shame occurs, the person sacrifices their job or whatever it is that will heal the shame.
In America, reputations come and go overnight and in the end usually does not matter. The end result is more of the focus. A person is more likely to overlook a reputation to get the job done.
Morals: Chinese society places high values on the morals of their people. Marriage is not encouraged until the late twenties. In fact, dating is discouraged early in a young adult's life and proprieties are expected to be held up.
The American culture is more relaxed.
Recognition of the Dead: One of the time honored traditions of the Chinese is the recognition of the dead. Once a year, all members of a family visit the gravesites of each ancestor and pay their respects. Honoring ancestors is very important in Chinese culture.
This is in direct contrast to most Americans who rarely know where the majority of their ancestors are laid to rest. This might be due to the fact that most Americans are immigrants who either have lost the information on grave locations or the locations are in foreign countries. China's culture is much older and the percentage of immigration is far less.
Humility: Humility is a revered virtue in Chinese culture. The success of one's business or personal life is downplayed while in America the successes are lauded. Most Americans in the fast business world consider humility a sign of weakness. This can be an issue that hurts inter cultural relations.
Time Sensitivity: Crossing cultures for business can be frustrating when it interferes with getting the job done. Most Americans are very time sensitive when it comes to meeting and deadlines. If the meeting was to commence at 2:00, then all parties are to be present at that time. The Chinese don not view time as an absolute but more as a suggestion. Concern is not expressed for a meeting starting late or ending at a different time. The same can be applied to deadlines. If a report is due on Friday, an American would be waiting for that report to be received before end of business day. The Chinese would not worry if it showed up several days later.
Respect: Being sensitive to another person's needs is very important in Chinese culture. It is expected that you will respect the other person and treat them well. Their needs are met at each encounter. This is a characteristic has fallen on the wayside in most American circles.
CONCLUSIONS
Different countries have different societal structures, business norms and ways of forming relationships. Analyzing cultural norms is not a means to determine a model way of life, but it is a way of understanding how countries and individuals interact on a local, national and international scale. China and the United States are leading global super powers, and yet they have different cultural practices.
Reputation: Reputation of the individual is very important in China. If an action will humiliate someone or ruin a reputation , it is avoided. When shame occurs, the person sacrifices their job or whatever it is that will heal the shame.
In America, reputations come and go overnight and in the end usually does not matter. The end result is more of the focus. A person is more likely to overlook a reputation to get the job done.
Morals: Chinese society places high values on the morals of their people. Marriage is not encouraged until the late twenties. In fact, dating is discouraged early in a young adult's life and proprieties are expected to be held up.
The American culture is more relaxed.
Recognition of the Dead: One of the time honored traditions of the Chinese is the recognition of the dead. Once a year, all members of a family visit the gravesites of each ancestor and pay their respects. Honoring ancestors is very important in Chinese culture.
This is in direct contrast to most Americans who rarely know where the majority of their ancestors are laid to rest. This might be due to the fact that most Americans are immigrants who either have lost the information on grave locations or the locations are in foreign countries. China's culture is much older and the percentage of immigration is far less.
Humility: Humility is a revered virtue in Chinese culture. The success of one's business or personal life is downplayed while in America the successes are lauded. Most Americans in the fast business world consider humility a sign of weakness. This can be an issue that hurts inter cultural relations.
Time Sensitivity: Crossing cultures for business can be frustrating when it interferes with getting the job done. Most Americans are very time sensitive when it comes to meeting and deadlines. If the meeting was to commence at 2:00, then all parties are to be present at that time. The Chinese don not view time as an absolute but more as a suggestion. Concern is not expressed for a meeting starting late or ending at a different time. The same can be applied to deadlines. If a report is due on Friday, an American would be waiting for that report to be received before end of business day. The Chinese would not worry if it showed up several days later.
Respect: Being sensitive to another person's needs is very important in Chinese culture. It is expected that you will respect the other person and treat them well. Their needs are met at each encounter. This is a characteristic has fallen on the wayside in most American circles.
CONCLUSIONS
Different countries have different societal structures, business norms and ways of forming relationships. Analyzing cultural norms is not a means to determine a model way of life, but it is a way of understanding how countries and individuals interact on a local, national and international scale. China and the United States are leading global super powers, and yet they have different cultural practices.
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