GLOBAL COMPETENCE

CHINA
By: John Lee-Cruz

GOVERNMENT AND LAWS

China is a one-party state, with the power lying wit the
Chinese Communist party. The country is governed by
the Constitution of 1982.
The unicameral legislature is the National People's
Congress (NPC). The NPC decides on national economic
strategy, elects or removes high officeholders, and can
change China's constitution; it normally follows the
directives of the Communist party's politburo.
The executive branch consists of the president, who is
head of state, and the premier, who is head of
government. The president is elected by the NPC for a
five-year term and is eligible for reelection. The
premier is nominated by the president and approved by
the NPC.

WORKPLACE HIERARCHY

Most local companies in China are either

family owned or government run. This
hierarchical approach is underpinned by
the influence of thousands of years of
Confucian teaching and a strongly
hierarchical, bureaucratic Party structure.
The United States, on the other hand, is
comprised of more companies being run
by one person or by a group of directors.

USE OF TIME / PUNCTUALITY

You should arrive at meetings

on time or slightly early. The
Chinese view punctuality as a
virtue. Arriving late is an insult
and could negatively affect
your relationship.
For Americans, the same
principle apply. If you want to
impress a certain someone or
show respect you should arrive
early or on time.

HOW THEY DRESS

Typical Chinese Business

Attire

Typical American Business

Attire

Keeping suit colors on the subtle

side is important, and should
always be top of mind for those
who are planning to attend a
meeting in the country. Colors such
as charcoal, gray, and midnight
blue are preferred unlike pink which
would make you look like as you
dont fit in. However, red is one of
Chinas most popular colors and
symbolizes prosperity, power, and
authority so this is an exception.

Like Chinese business

attire, American business
attire is very similar.
Americans also are
expected to wear more
conservative colors for
their suits such as black,
gray, and navy blue.

UNIQUE FOODS

Preserved Egg
With shiny dark grey or black snowflake
pattern, the unique egg design was
created by the Chinese people in the Ming
Dynasty. Besides its unique taste, its said
that the dish is a remedy for curing the
effects of alcohol.
Bamboo Rice
Always cooked with rice and pork, Bamboo
rice is cooked on a fresh green section of
bamboo until it becomes seared.

UNIQUE HOLIDAYS
Differences to the
U.S.

Similarities to the
U.S.

Children's Day: June 1st

It is the most memorable day of Chinese

children. Access to almost all entertainment
and educational facilities such as cinemas,
parks and children's museums is free to them.
Elementary schools throw celebration parties
while parents shower them with presents.
Teacher's Day: September 1st

It was started in the early eighties as an effort

to reverse the anti-intellectual sentiment
nurtured by the "Cultural Revolution". It has
become an established holiday. However, it is
yet to become a paid-leave day for the
teachers.

China celebrates multiple

Western holidays like the U.S.
such as: Valentines Day,
Mothers Day, and Christmas.
However, for Christmas, the
Chinese usually celebrate it
without acknowledging its
religious background.

ETIQUETTE
China

United States

Greetings are formal and the oldest

person is always greeted first.

Greetings are casual.

Handshakes are the most common form

of greeting with foreigners.

A handshake, a smile, and a 'hello'

are all that is needed.

Be sure to smile.

Use first names, and be sure to

introduce everyone to each other.

Many Chinese will look towards the

ground when greeting someone.
Address the person by an honorific title
and their surname. If they want to move
to a first-name basis, they will advise you
which name to use.
The Chinese don't like doing business with
companies they don't know, so working
through an intermediary is crucial.

WORKS CITED

https://
www.linkedin.com/pulse/hierarchy-chinese-business-culture-kei
th-warburton
http://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/china-guide
http://people.wku.edu/haiwang.yuan/China/holiday.html
http://
www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/article-unique-food.htm
https://www.bows-n-ties.com/mens-fashion-tips/business-dressand-etiquette-in-china
/
http://www.fengshuiweb.co.uk/advice/chineseetiquette.htm
http://