This post relates at least indirectly to two themes referred to on CPH127 previously – [1] the emergence of China and [2] culture and it’s role in innovation and creativity.
We seek more “Asian voices” in our community perhaps motivated by observations of apparent opportunity. In order to assist in the facilitation of such involvement, do we need to foster awareness of the differences in Chinese thinking [for example] from what would be typical in Western/European/American ways of thinking? I’d suggest so…
The Shanghai Swiss Chamber of Commerce swisscham.org recently commissioned Birds & Fish Communications to work on the development of a quarterly magazine appropriately titled “The Bridge”. Designed to foster more awareness of Swiss Chinese business relations in Shanghai and China generally the publication’s March 2005 issue featured a wonderful article “10 differences between Western and Eastern Behaviour and Thinking” by Hans J.Roth, Consul General of Switzerland in Shanghai. The article describes the most significant differences between European and Chinese cultural environments. Although quite broad brushstrokes the observations can be considered a solid general guideline. I thought it would be positive to share the main points of difference highlighted in the article…Read on here
Much of what Mr roth writes certainly reflects my own perceptions about my experiences in working in China and more generally of Chinese friends and colleagues…intriguing I think.
Here is more useful insights by Hans J.Roth…
2 comments so far
Very nice Ian. I liked your main points of difference very much. Thank you.
Hi Ian, thanks for sharing this. I find the topic of intercultural differences highly interesting!
While China is somehow far away from my direct focus I even find it a challenging experience simply traveling through Europe where we ‘think’ that differences do not matter that much any longer …
From my European perspective Asia is even more complex and I’m thankful for folks like you and Niti sharing their insights from a different ‘perspective’ 