2. Values and attitudes characteristic of the chinese

National characteristics. The Chinese are quiet, reserved and never lose their temper. But at times they can seem chaotic and unfocused. It is collectivist, high-context, polychronic culture. A key organizing principle in Chinese society is Confucianism. It states that the family is the basic unit of society, and praised the virtues of hierarchy. All actions of the individual reflect upon the family, and filial devotion is of utmost importance. The virtues of kindness, propriety, righteousness, intelligence, and faithfulness have also been deeply revered. One must be preserved in relationships. These relationships are between ruler and subjects, between husband and wife, between father and son, between elder brother and younger brother, and between friends. Since all but the last are hierarchal, rank and age have historically been very important in all interactions.

Although reciprocity is an important principle in Chinese society (if you receive something, you give something back), companies investing in China need to ensure that potential partners are fully aware of the issue of intellectual property rights.

For centuries, China's civilization was more advanced in the arts and sciences compared with the West, so it is not surprising that its people continue to believe in their superiority, despite the social and military problems that afflicted the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Chinese admire the work ethic, Confucian principles, the power of the extended family and sincerity. They appreciate patience, soft-spokenness, adaptability, humility and firmness. They do not appreciate boisterousness, impulsivity or anger, and they also dislike losing face, immodesty, disrespect towards elders and extravagance.

Duty, self-sacrifice, gentleness and wisdom are other traits admired by the Chinese. They consider that relationships are more important than tasks, and that the quest for virtue is more important than the search for truth. The Chinese do business with people rather than companies, so personal contact and loyalty are important. They value sincerity above all other qualities.

There is deep rooted respect for the older generation which still embraces the more traditional values and is not as profit orientated. Senior people are "paraded" at official events as grey hair symbolises influence and respect. Consequently, it is advisable to send senior staff to important events. This also "gives face" to the hosts by demonstrating that they are being taken seriously.

Cultural orientation. The Chinese are generally circumspect toward outside sources of information. They usually process data through a subjective perspective, derived from experience - unless they have been educated at a Western university.

Locus of decision-makings. In a centrally controlled economy, responsibility rests with government planners, but individuals are held responsible for their decisions within the system. Local decisions are made by the head of the collective, and members must behave accordingly. Collectives are insular, closed entities in which individual goals are subordinated to those of the collective. In the zones of free enterprise, businesses are experimenting with freedom from party rule but not from the collectivist way of thinking.

Sources of anxiety reduction. The family, school, work unit, and local community are the basic social structures that give stability to a person's life. There is a strong commitment to the extended family. The state, rather than religion, traditionally dictated the standards of wisdom, morality, and the common good. Obedience to parents is integral to a sense of security and stability. Maintaining harmony is vital. Faith in the Communist Party, which rules the PRC, is diminishing.

Issues of equality/inequality. Relative to the general population (over 1.3 billion), the number of people who are powerful members of the Communist Party is small. There has always been some concern about inequality in a system in which equality is the purpose, but being a member of the party is the only avenue to the position of authority. Free enterprise is purported to breed inequality and uncertainty, but there are rapidly increasing areas where it is allowed to flourish. Age is the only noticeable interpersonal indicator of inequality because it is still revered. Women are purported to be equal to men, but economic and social inequalities continue. The principle of respect in China means that women may be polite to senior men, which may be seen as sexist by some Westerners. Do not react to this. Chinese women have considerable authority at home, in politics and in commerce.