COMPARISON AND CONTRAST: CHINA AND UNITED STATES

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST: CHINA AND UNITED STATES

            It so interesting to study other cultures in our world, know more about them and it is so important to do just that if you are going to have interactions with them.Well I think China is one of those so interesting, wonderfull and striking cultures mainly because what we usually know about the country is through movies or the local Chinese restaurant. What I’ve learned over the years is that that knowledge is usually useless. To be sincere study of a culture is the only way to truly appreciate the differences. So, being an American what do I see as the some biggest cultural differences between the two countries.  I think it could took a long time to narrow it all down since we could get so detailed that an encyclopedia would be the end result. But It will help you to understand and know more about these two cultures.

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 can trace their traditions and customs for thousands of years, it is so interesting. America is still a small babe of a nation that has had very few traditions of its own but has become such a melting pot of cultures that there is almost no specific American culture that can be said is applied across the board. This makes both cultures unique and worthy of study and respect. Therefore you improve your knowledge.

 

            In China the Social Structure is formal and hierarchical. You know where you fit in the structure and you abide by the rules there. There is no crossing into other areas; in constrast, in America, it is much more loose and informal. 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. This can cause problems in business relationships if the visiting culture is unaware of it.

        The Chinese the Self, it looks more at the group collective than at individualism; on the other hand in America has become known for its push of individualism which has been a source of conflict with other cultures that look collectively; in constrasy a person from China is more prone to look at how their acts affect the whole instead of how it affects them personally. They are more willing to give up and sacrifice for the greater good, but America’s individualism has been its backbone and the reason for its success as a world power, but when visiting China it needs to be reined in.

        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, while 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.


        When doing business in China, be prepared for much socializing. Business becomes secondary as the parties get to know each better. If it delays a contract, that is perfectly acceptable as long as the correct social time is allotted for. On the contrary in America, business associates are usually more aloof. There might be some social gathering but the business is more important and the socializing will be sacrificed to get the job done if needed. Though there seems to be shift in America regarding this. The recognition of networking is becoming more pronounced.

        About Morals in Chinese society places high values on the morals of their people. Marriage is not encouraged until the late twenties, it so incredible. In fact, dating is discouraged early in a young adult’s life and proprieties are expected to be held up; in comparison American culture is much more relaxed and some could even argue that there needs to be more moral emphasize.

        Humility is a revered virtue in Chinese culture, when I read it, I think that this article was laying me. Well 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. 

         Crossing cultures for business can be frustrating when it interferes with getting the job done. Americans and Chinesse are very time sensitive when it comes to meetings and deadlines. If the meeting was to commence at 1:00, then all parties are to be present at that time. The Chinese do not view time as an absolute but more as a suggestion; similarly, americans concern is not expressed for a meeting starting late or ending at a different time. American and Chinese are so similarly in this topic because both respect the time and the rules of the time also the Chinese and american would not worry if you showed up several days later your homework or anorther thing.

         Being sensitive to another person’s needs is a value that lost in Chinese and American culture both need to improve in this value, this is a characteristic that unfortunately has fallen on the wayside in most American and Chinese circles.

         In fact, both Chinese and American are interesting cultures that first we must need to undestand after that improve and overcome.

JUNNIOR NOLASCO A08