Internet resources to help western companies adjust to China's culture
China is an increasingly powerful force on the international business frontier. Western companies want to get in on the action, but opening up operations in China presents a number of challenges. The following websites provide HR professionals with tips and background that they need to know before doing business in China.
HR IN CHINA
www.frankallen.com
U.S.-based HR staffing firm Frank E. Allen & Associates offers a number of interesting articles and other resources on its website, covering a wide range of HR topics. There is an excellent article on HR in China written by a former senior consultant that is accessible from the “Executive Reports” button on the left-hand menu. From there, click on the “HR and the Global Marketplace” subcategory and select the “HR in China” article.
The article looks at the HR dynamics involved when a western company wants to expand into China. It provides tips and lessons learned from the experiences of several HR professionals. The author notes that a common truism is that “one cannot simply walk into China and set up shop overnight. It requires a thorough analysis of the country’s cultural values and political and economic systems, coupled with a deep understanding how these values and systems have formed and still influence human resources practices.” Throughout the article, he stresses that “you cannot do things by the seat of your pants in China,” and emphasizes the importance of cultivating and maintaining contacts to help network with the right people, and ultimately get things done.
The article provides a list of short-term downsides and a list of positive changes that have occurred, as well as providing highlights of the cultural values that infuse the business climate, including the importance of etiquette, subtlety and the concept of “face” (esteem or personal dignity).
It examines the HR function in China, how it is organized contrary to western concepts, and explains the roles of the Communist Party and unions. The article goes into detail about staffing and retention practices, employee training and compensation and benefits.
CHINA AND CORPORATE MOBILITY
www.cendantmobility.com
This article, found on the Cendant Mobility website, looks at China’s increasing presence in the global business arena. From the main page, click on “Reference Desk” at the top of the screen, then from the menu on the left, select “eLibrary,” under “Browse by topic,” select “Global Workforce and Intercultural Issues” from the resulting list. Then select the article titled, “China — In the Year of Living Exponentially.” It begins by examining some of the recent events that put China in the spotlight, including the significance of China’s admittance to the World Trade Organization (WTO). It then examines the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in China, and the enormity of the nation’s presence in the technology industry. The article concludes by looking at the key implications of all these factors on corporate mobility. You will have to register to view the article.
TRADE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
www.asiapacific.ca/analysis/pubs/pdfs/china9_18dec03.pdf
This report, part of a series commissioned by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, looks at Canada’s strained relations with China, between wanting to expand trade and concern over Beijing’s human rights practices. The author looks at the significance of China’s entry into the WTO, barriers to China’s full compliance with WTO obligations, and the differences between western ideals and those of China, pertaining to human rights. The author offers 10 concrete steps that should be considered to further trade and human rights relations with China, “in ways that build better knowledge and experience among Canadian government agencies, business actors…and other stakeholders.”
Shannon Martin is Canadian HR Reporter’s resource editor. Her Web Sight column appears regularly in the CloseUp section.
HR IN CHINA
www.frankallen.com
U.S.-based HR staffing firm Frank E. Allen & Associates offers a number of interesting articles and other resources on its website, covering a wide range of HR topics. There is an excellent article on HR in China written by a former senior consultant that is accessible from the “Executive Reports” button on the left-hand menu. From there, click on the “HR and the Global Marketplace” subcategory and select the “HR in China” article.
The article looks at the HR dynamics involved when a western company wants to expand into China. It provides tips and lessons learned from the experiences of several HR professionals. The author notes that a common truism is that “one cannot simply walk into China and set up shop overnight. It requires a thorough analysis of the country’s cultural values and political and economic systems, coupled with a deep understanding how these values and systems have formed and still influence human resources practices.” Throughout the article, he stresses that “you cannot do things by the seat of your pants in China,” and emphasizes the importance of cultivating and maintaining contacts to help network with the right people, and ultimately get things done.
The article provides a list of short-term downsides and a list of positive changes that have occurred, as well as providing highlights of the cultural values that infuse the business climate, including the importance of etiquette, subtlety and the concept of “face” (esteem or personal dignity).
It examines the HR function in China, how it is organized contrary to western concepts, and explains the roles of the Communist Party and unions. The article goes into detail about staffing and retention practices, employee training and compensation and benefits.
CHINA AND CORPORATE MOBILITY
www.cendantmobility.com
This article, found on the Cendant Mobility website, looks at China’s increasing presence in the global business arena. From the main page, click on “Reference Desk” at the top of the screen, then from the menu on the left, select “eLibrary,” under “Browse by topic,” select “Global Workforce and Intercultural Issues” from the resulting list. Then select the article titled, “China — In the Year of Living Exponentially.” It begins by examining some of the recent events that put China in the spotlight, including the significance of China’s admittance to the World Trade Organization (WTO). It then examines the opportunities and risks associated with doing business in China, and the enormity of the nation’s presence in the technology industry. The article concludes by looking at the key implications of all these factors on corporate mobility. You will have to register to view the article.
TRADE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
www.asiapacific.ca/analysis/pubs/pdfs/china9_18dec03.pdf
This report, part of a series commissioned by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, looks at Canada’s strained relations with China, between wanting to expand trade and concern over Beijing’s human rights practices. The author looks at the significance of China’s entry into the WTO, barriers to China’s full compliance with WTO obligations, and the differences between western ideals and those of China, pertaining to human rights. The author offers 10 concrete steps that should be considered to further trade and human rights relations with China, “in ways that build better knowledge and experience among Canadian government agencies, business actors…and other stakeholders.”
Shannon Martin is Canadian HR Reporter’s resource editor. Her Web Sight column appears regularly in the CloseUp section.
