Why is it difficult to do business in China. ??

Why is it difficult to do business in China. ??


I came across a very interesting discussions on a forum on linked in

http://www.linkedin.com/groupAnswers?viewQuestionAndAnswers=&gid=46978&discussionID=2882900&commentID=3991220#commentID_3991220


One gentleman new to china gave the following obsertvations ...........


am new in this country, however as a retailer i have experienced the following
a) people working and interacting habits are different. the chinese expect a direct and a simple direction.
b) unlike the western world multi tasking is a strict no no.
c) they get involved in what ever they do, thus moving into a different sphere of though and action is difficult.
d) marketing to consumers is a challenge - as media is scattered and prohibitively expensive for sme's.
e) HR issues for a foreign company gain a lot of importance, as the working culture is very different.
f) people pose a challenge in terms of delivery and capabilities to perform a role.
g) they never say no, making ideation difficult.

though not relevant to the online scene, but i feel this affects business and its capability in decision making.


Following are my views in reference to his observations.


Very well insight into the real time experience.....If I go one by one the experience are mainly related to the culture and language ...........Let me analyse them one by one......


a) people working and interacting habits are different. the chinese expect a direct and a simple direction.
Though I disagree with this statement a bit........If you are profiencient enough in mandarin, you will realise that chinese are more indirect...

b) unlike the western world multi tasking is a strict no no. .........Yeah they believe in life time career with one company and master........that comes from Loyalty towards the master in the past in chinese culture.......


c) they get involved in what ever they do, thus moving into a different sphere of though and action is difficult.
Same as in (b) .......they are oriented and focussed.


d) marketing to consumers is a challenge - as media is scattered and prohibitively expensive for sme's.

I disagree with this.........may be you could find some value for money soon

e) HR issues for a foreign company gain a lot of importance, as the working culture is very different.

Yeah since the culture is different ...........Just imagine a rabbit and tortoise in a stable.......

f) people pose a challenge in terms of delivery and capabilities to perform a role.

I disagree with this........Chinese are very hard working .......so delievery should never be a problem.........How can they build such a huge manufacturing base with out good delievery........

g) they never say no, making ideation difficult................Here comes ther asserstion to support my views in (a)..........they are indirect. .........when it comes to arguments.......

Well I think there is always a misconception till a foreigner is mingled into the chinese culture ..........till then its a mystery.........

The real question are
1. How much is the time required to mingle ??
2. What are the alternatives.??
3. Why JV's dont work out in China ??

Any answers..........????