While generalizations are dangerous since individuals differ widely, Iâd like to share some of my observations while working for a Chinese company in Taiwan:
Life objectives (for Taiwanese):
- Wealth, specifically money in the bank
- Well being of relatives
(by comparisions Westerners tend to favor accumulation of possessions, well being of immediate family members, and more leisure time)
Respect is shown for:
- Older or more senior family members
- More senior people in the workplace
- Some long term buddies
- People who can help make you money
Other important considerations:
- Saving face
- Appearing to be sincere
Nothing else, and nobody else matters in a way that would seem uncaring to persons familiar with the Western tradition. Chinese society is based on a rather different moral system to that common in the west.
In business being difficult, obstructive, taking advantage, tricks and deception are fine. It is quite common not to tell the truth, disguise motives with alternate rationalizations, do not expect to be told anything you do not need to know. Also expect a lot of negative competitive behaviours within the workplace, and relentless destructive competition between businesses.
In business all action is based on expediency and expect tricks and u-turns. If you get caught out, too bad. Common practices include: Delaying tactics, complex rules and regulations that favor one party, promises that wonât be fullfulled (get it in writing!), shoddy goods and workmanship, accidental damage to persons or property.
On the other hand, people will follow the rules if there is no way to wriggle out. Money will be accuratly accounted for, people will work very very hard when motivated. Working in Chinese business can be very rewarding and fast paced.
If you want to be effective in business in Taiwan, you had better learn how it works. You can be sucessful here, but not by behaving like you would in Western business. Go with the flow, learn the tricks, and how to counter them. Use the same methods where it works to your advantage.
-Malkie