Cultural difference in business | Valerie Hoeks | TEDxHaarlem

Summary

This script recounts the speaker's initial encounter with China in 2000, highlighting the cultural differences and the importance of relationships in Chinese society, deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy. It emphasizes the concept of 'Guanxi', the significance of reciprocity, harmony, and 'miànzi' (face), illustrating these points with personal anecdotes. The speaker encourages Westerners to learn from Chinese relational dynamics to become better individuals, inviting them to experience China's depth beyond the Great Wall.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's initial encounter with China in 2000 sparked a deep interest in understanding Chinese culture and people.
• 🚴‍♂️ The vivid imagery of daily life in Beijing's outskirts highlights the contrast between Western and Chinese lifestyles.
• 📚 The speaker's motivation to learn Chinese was driven by a desire to communicate and understand the Chinese worldview.
• 🚇 The cultural differences in social interactions, such as the intensity of rush hour in Chinese subways, were emphasized.
• 🤝 Despite misconceptions about Chinese people being tough and cold-hearted, the speaker argues that warm relations are highly valued in China.
• 🧐 The importance of relationships in China is rooted in Confucian philosophy, which is deeply ingrained in Chinese society.
• 🤝 'Guanxi' is a Chinese concept that signifies the significance of connections and relationships in achieving success.
• 💰 The concept of 'Rénqíng' or reciprocal favor is crucial in maintaining relationships in China, with a strong emphasis on repaying favors.
• 🌐 The Chinese value balance and harmony, often preferring to wait for the right moment rather than rushing through decisions.
• 🏠 The speaker's personal experience in Tai Shan illustrates the importance of patience and openness in understanding Chinese hospitality.
• 🤔 The concept of 'miànzi' or face is central to Chinese social interactions, affecting reputation and social standing.

Q & A

What was the speaker's first impression of China in the year 2000?

The speaker was deeply touched by the Chinese people and their country, feeling a strong energy and seeing smiles everywhere, despite the busy and somewhat chaotic environment.

Why did the speaker decide to learn Chinese and communicate with Chinese people?

The speaker was fascinated by the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, especially the way people behave and interact, and wanted to understand their world better.

What is the speaker's observation about taking the subway in China during rush hour?

The speaker noted that getting on the subway in China is challenging, and getting off is nearly impossible due to the crowd's use of elbows to squeeze through without giving space to others.

How does the speaker refute the misconception that Chinese people are tough and cold-hearted?

The speaker emphasizes that for Chinese people, warm relations are very important and are considered a necessity in life, contrary to the Western belief that they might be tough and cold-hearted.

What is the significance of relationships in Chinese culture according to the speaker?

Relationships are highly valued in Chinese culture, and the speaker suggests that they might even be more important than what Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes, being a fundamental aspect of life.

What is the term 'Guanxi' and why is it important in China?

'Guanxi' refers to connections or relationships in China, which are crucial for getting things done. It involves building trust and loyalty, which are essential for success in both personal and professional life.

What is 'Rénqíng' and how does it relate to maintaining relationships in China?

'Rénqíng' is the concept of reciprocal favor in Chinese culture. It requires that if someone does a favor for you, it must be returned eventually, maintaining a balance in the relationship.

How does the speaker describe the Chinese approach to timing and deadlines?

The speaker describes the Chinese as preferring to wait for the right moment rather than pushing through requests immediately. This approach is linked to the concept of harmony and the avoidance of conflict.

What is the concept of 'harmony' (Hé) in Chinese culture, and how does it influence behavior?

Harmony in Chinese culture stresses the preference for smooth running of a society or group, influencing Chinese people to be patient and wait for the right moment to act, rather than rushing or forcing issues.

What is the importance of 'face' (miànzi) in Chinese society, and how does it affect social interactions?

'Face' in Chinese society is tied to one's reputation and social standing. It can be earned or lost and plays a crucial role in daily life, influencing how mistakes are handled and how social interactions are conducted.

How does the speaker's experience with Chen Wang illustrate the importance of patience and openness in Chinese culture?

The speaker's experience with Chen Wang shows that by being patient and open to the Chinese approach, unexpected and enriching experiences can occur, such as spending time in a school building with Chinese peers instead of a hotel.