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April 19, 2020 by cms7206 Leave a Comment

Why Aren’t There More Women in Leadership Roles in China?

Often, we hear about the inequalities of the job force when it comes to leadership positions between men and women. Nowhere is this more evident than in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. China has a remarkably low number of women in leadership roles across its nation in both the business sector as well as the political arena.

Culturally, China has always viewed women in terms of being upheld to a modest lifestyle, which no doubts include caring for the home and the family. This would contrast heavily with the Baijiu culture which exists in the male-dominated political system. This tradition involves the consumption of large quantities of a highly alcoholic grain spirit which is part of formal meetings. (Yazhou, 2017)

Another issue that presents itself is the fact that for government employees, female public servants are required to retire 10 years earlier than men. With men’s retirement age being 60, it is no wonder that women are more present in the hierarchy of the political arena as most only reach their height and power as they near their 60’s. (Yazhou, 2017) This eliminates women entirely from the equation.

Over the years, there has been a growing voice within China among women that want to see a change in the way women are treated and viewed, however, there is little to no indication that their voice will be heard as Beijing continues to step up its crackdown on feminist activism. (Yazhou, 2017)

Time will only tell if there will be a change in these policies as there are already waves being created in Taiwan and Hong Kong, where they have both seen the rise of women to the head of their state governments.

The trend can only move inland from that point in my opinion.

References:

Yazhou, S. (October 25, 2017). Why China has so few female leaders, CNN. Web. Retrieved April 19, 2020. Link: https://www.cnn.com/2017/10/22/asia/china-female-leaders/index.html

https://sites.psu.edu/global/2020/04/19/6673/

Contrast Between U.S. and China Business Practices

March 30, 2020 by cms7206 2 Comments

When it comes down to business practices, there are very few pairings that are as different as that of the U.S. and China. Culturally, they are worlds apart, yet as the two largest economies in the world, they must learn to coexist. The very basis of the mentality difference between the two cultures provides a foundation of massive differentiation. The U.S., having pride in the success of the individual at all costs is the seemingly polar opposite to the collective national identity of the Chinese. (IBS, 2018)

This is only one of the many differences that exist within the business cultures of these two nations. Another being the contrast in the interpersonal mingling of client and representative. In China, it is heavily encouraged and accepted as it is part of the growing relationship that is so sought after in business. Whereas, in the U.S., this type of practice is often considered to be unethical and controversial. American business practices tend to rely more on the negotiation and law of contracts rather than facilitating a long-lasting personal bond with its clients and partners. The Chinese call this practice guanxi, and it comes into play to help protect their personal interests also as it is not unheard of for a business associate to ask for special “favors” in return for accommodations that may have been extended in earlier dealings between organizations. (Moran et al., pg. 408) This being said, the Chinese tend to avoid confrontation at all costs in order to save face. Even going so far as to tell a white lie and agree with the individual that they disagree with in order to save face. In the U.S., it is not unheard of for aggressive discussions to occur as it is considered part of the negotiation process in the business. Something that is not well received in Chinese business circles. (IBS, 2018)

Another major variation is that of how the hierarchal composition and role-plays out differently in each culture. In the U.S., there is little hesitation for subordinates to challenge their managers in the workplace as the boundaries fall to the wayside as the culture seems to accept this transgression as it is seen as a positive interaction for the organization that helps to foster openness and innovation. In China, however, the subordinate is expected to follow the direction of the supervisor regardless of the difference in opinion one may have. The decision of the superior is final and should be respected at all costs.

These basic elemental differences provide challenges for either side when it comes to approaching a negotiation. It is important for each party to realize these differences and especially so for the American congregation that is hoping to expand their business venture into the vast Chinese market. It takes more than just a clever game plan to be successful in this competitive market, it takes local finesse in order to establish and cultivate successful business relations.

References:

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.

IBS International (author unknown) May 8, 2018, Differences Between U.S. and China Business Etiquette, IBS International Business Seminars. Web. Retrieved March 29, 2020. Link: https://ibstours.com/blog/differences-chinese-business-customs/

Considerations for Middle East Business Expansion

February 29, 2020 by cms7206 Leave a Comment

In terms of growing markets, the Middle East presents a unique opportunity as its economy continues to grow at approximately 1.5% to 3.5% per year rather consistently. (MENA) Keeping this in mind, there are elements and challenges that any firm from the West need to consider before diving in head-first into an unknown market.

The Middle East is a complex area of the world. The culture is somewhat foreign to many of us here in the West. In the Muslim world, religion not only impacts the personal faith of each individual but in many cases it is the basis for the laws of the land. (Moran et al., pg. 298) Being Muslim is more of a way of life than many of us can understand here in our western culture. There is more unity and collectivism within the Muslim faith than we are accustomed to here in our individualistic lifestyle and this is where we may struggle in our dealings or even understanding of organizations based in the Middle East as well as their mindset. Keeping this in mind, we need to understand that the region seems to be in a constant state of flux.

During recent years there have been uprisings against the tribal and patriarchal regimes that have existed since the 1920s with increased demands for democracy, however, it should be noted that these uprisings have been towards the leadership and not the Muslim faith. (Chtatou, 2017)

This being said, it is important to be aware of the local religious beliefs when traveling or attempting to conduct business. Knowing that the Muslim faith is a major part of everyday life in this part of the world, simple political disarray will not change the core beliefs of the area, but rather serves as a mechanism in which leaderships are displaced and replaced. There are traditions and values that the local populace expect and adhere to. Theirs is a culture which values conformity over independence, little co-operation exists between manager and subordinates and criticism is usually perceived as negative. (Moran et al., pg. 315) Also, Muslims don’t take to strangers very lightly and value more of a relationship with the people that they do business with. So, it is important to understand that a period of time will be required in order to establish a relationship with other local business people and potential customers before expecting a return on any type of investment. These are elements that need to be considered by anyone going into the region with aspirations of establishing and growing their business.

It is also important to understand the diversification of the different religious sects that exist within the Muslim faith. They don’t all see eye to eye, and some are more traditional than others. The map below helps to identify the concentration of the different sects within the region for reference.

(Map reference: Chtatou, 2017)

References:

Chtatou, M., (July 30, 2017) Aspects of Religious and Cultural Diversity In Middle East and North Africa-Analysis. Eurasiareview News & Analysis. Web. Posted February 29, 2020. Retrieved. Link: https://www.eurasiareview.com/30072017-aspects-of-religious-and-cultural-diversity-in-middle-east-and-north-africa-analysis/

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing Cultural Differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.

Publication: MENA Economic Update (n.d.). The World Bank. Web. Retrieved February 29, 2020. Link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/mena/publication/mena-economic-monitor

Communication Challenges between China and the U.S.

February 8, 2020 by cms7206 3 Comments

In recent months, we have been witness to the growing tensions that exist between the U.S. and China as it pertains to trade and their agreements. It is apparent that the renegotiation of these existing agreements will be the final outcome and resolution that will lead to future harmony between these two trade giants. Some of the challenges that the negotiating teams will be facing will be the cultural divide that exists between the two nations as well as the complexity of the language barrier that exists.

Even though China has made it a practice to educate themselves in order to be able to converse in English, therefore, that particular aspect won’t be as critical. (Moran et al., pg. 53) The cultural piece of communication is where there can be a significant gap. The Chinese prefer to develop the relationships that they have with the people that they do business with, which can take prolonged periods of time. (Moran et al., pg. 49) Whereas Americans are more inclined to work on a linear basis when it comes to the relationships they have with potential business partners. (Moran et al., pg. 48) Also, if Americans wish to be ingratiating to their potential Chinese trade partners, they need to be able to relate more with the collectivism that the Chinese tend to have towards their countrymen. (Moran et al., pg. 59)

The relationship that exists between the U.S. and China is one that has taken years to develop. The language barrier does continue to be an issue. Not surprising when you consider the fact that China experiences that very same issue within its own borders. China currently has approximately 56 ethnic groups as well as over 80 dialects still being used today. (Li, Y., pg. 115) So, as Americans, we shouldn’t expect to be able to walk into negotiations without expecting some form of barrier when it comes to language. It is likely that translators would be used in order to help overcome the language as well as the cultural divide that exists. Translators aren’t always the best tool to use, as they cannot translate word for word, however, their insight into the cultural inflections could prove to be invaluable for each side so as to be able to interpret the progress that is being made throughout the negotiations. (Moran et al., pg. 75)

There are other elements that will prove to be hurdles throughout the negotiation. Cultural prejudices will definitely rise to the surface immediately as the Chinese tend to view Americans as individualistic and overly tolerant to open criticism of their own society, not to mention their view on external cultures is that of superiority. As for the Americans, they will most likely approach the Chinese contingent as being a group of individuals that have no concept of market freedom and freedom of speech, without considering the fact that the Chinese culture is probably more suited to communist rule than any other on the planet, cue to their collectivism and desire to care for their own within a family. (Li, Y., pg. 121)

Cultural differences will always be a factor when it comes to the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and China, especially as the world seems to get “smaller” on a daily basis with the internet and communications developments that continue to push the envelope of our understanding. Even now, we have students from China who are able to attend American colleges and universities through the use of the internet and satellite technology. The barriers seem to be breaking down, but it is important to realize that our individual cultures should not be sacrificed for the sake of expediency and our culture is what distinguishes us from one another. Something that should not be taken or disregarded lightly.

References:

Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., & Moran, S. V. (2014). Managing cultural differences (9th ed.). Oxford: Routledge.

Li, Y., Cross-Cultural Communications within American and Chinese Colleagues in Multinational Organizations, Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association: Vol. 2010, Article 7. Web. Retrieved: February 7, 2020. Link: https://docs.rwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=nyscaproceedings

Introduction

January 15, 2020 by cms7206 2 Comments

Hello everyone, my name is Claude and I currently reside in Harlingen, TX. (Deep South Texas!) I am an item manager in logistics for prosthetics responsible for 6 clinics in the Valley. I was fortunate enough to serve in the US Marine Corps and had the opportunity to deploy to Iraq in 2004.

I’ve also completed an Associate’s degree in construction engineering. Professionally, I have worked in several industries and before I started working for the VA I worked in big box retail for 14 years until I reached district manager and realized that my life was all consumed by work. That is when I stepped out and took some time off and then began working at the VA in order to give back to my brothers and sisters in arms. It was a pay cut but the satisfaction and reduced stress levels make up for it hand over fist.

I am hoping to be able to graduate this coming May with a BS in Labor and Employment Relations. I wish you all the best of luck this semester!

Claude