While Africa was once seen as the “The Hopeless Continent” and thought to be doomed because of poor social institutions and corrupt governance, their economy takes a turn with China’s entry (Kuo, 2016). China entered into Africa and has found the long-term strategic value through all the various untapped resources that Africa has to offer (Kuo, 2016). China is now a dominant foreign power (Kuo, 2016), but do the cultures align within the businesses?
Much like any organization that decides to do business overseas, there are many cultural obstacles that will be faced. China sees their entrance into Africa as a way to expand their influences into other continents but Africa is not ready to accept China’s political and social systems (Wang, 2012). Once in Africa, Chinese organizations continue to use their own company cultures, which cause issues with African workers (Wang, 2012). Not only does China continue to bring their company cultures into Africa there is a lack of communication as Chinese workers do not feel that communication with African workers is important (Wang, 2012). Misunderstandings and problems therefore go unresolved and create larger issues in the future (Wang, 2012). There is also a lack of concern by China regarding any laws or customs in Africa; they are not concerned with what any African may think of them (Wang, 2012).
Despite any difficulties regarding cultures Africa still wants to continue the relationship and business opportunities with China. Africa has become a place of growth and opportunity with an economic growth of around 4 percent annually (Kuo, 2016). Most Africans like the Chinese being in Africa as they continue to develop their infrastructure, provide jobs, and affordable cars (Morlin-Yron, 2016). The Chinese have provided a wide variety of options then ever before, from cars to phones (Morlin-Yron, 2016).
While the majority of Africans like the dealings with China there are some negatives that can be found. Africans find issues with the quality of Chinese products, so while there is are now options some of those options may be of poor quality (Morlin-Yron, 2016). Another concern for most Africans is the fear of losing their jobs to the Chinese (Morlin-Yron, 2016). Most of their fears of job displacement deals with the work ethic that those in China hold, they are ready to work 24 hours or at anytime, while Africans will not as they have families to care for and that need attention (Morlin-Yron, 2016). Despite the negatives, the attitude towards China’s involvement is a very positive one amongst African people (Morlin-Yron, 2016).
Works Cited
Kuo, F. (2016, May 22). What China Knows about Africa That the West Doesn’t. Retrieved November 23, 2019, from National Interest: https://nationalinterest.org/feature/what-china-knows-about-africa-the-west-doesnt-16295
Morlin-Yron, S. (2016, November 6). This is what Africans really think of the Chinese. Retrieved November 22, 2019, from CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/03/africa/what-africans-really-think-of-china/index.html
Mourdoukoutas, P. (2018, August 4). What Is China Doing In Africa? Retrieved November 22, 2019, from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2018/08/04/china-is-treating-africa-the-same-way-european-colonists-did/#2b169aaa298b
Wang, J. (2012, June 27). Culture Clash: Chinese Businesses Versus African Communities. Retrieved November 23, 2019, from Fair Observer: https://www.fairobserver.com/region/africa/chinese-enterprises-africa-0/