Dimensions of Corporate

Dimensions of Corporate
Culture
Corporate culture can have a lot to do with who you want to work for and who you
want to buy from. Think about the difference between shopping at Walmart, Costco,
Target or even Nordstroms. They even feel and sound different when you walk in. I
don’t want to talk here about which is better but to point out that they are obviously
very different. The same is true between cars companies, plastic manufacturers and
even universities.
So what makes them so different? I think there are a number of dimensions but here
are just a few.
1. Leadership – does the company have strong visionary leadership or is it more of

a competency, technocrat leadership?
2. Risk Taking and Change – does the company reward and encourage risk taking
or punish it?
3. Work Styles – is this a competitive, cooperative or collaborative environment?
Do you work in teams or alone?
4. Results – is performance measured and rewarded or not measured at all?
5. Norms and Work Rules – What are the companies formal and informal work
rules, and how are the followed?
6. History – Where is the company located or founded? What are the values of the
community?
7. Decision-Making – How are decision made, who is involved?
8. Ideosyncracies – What are the odd and unusual traditions and rituals in this
organization? All companies have a few.
9. Motivations of Leadership Team – The top leadership is driven by a lot of
different things. It’s not just all money and profit.
China is believed to have the oldest continuous civilization. China has over 4,000
years of verifiable history. Beijing is the capital of China and is the focal point for the
country. The official language is standard Chinese, which is derived from the
Mandarin dialect. Most business people speak English. There are many dialects in
China however there is only one written language.
A Communist form of government rules China. The Chinese government promotes

atheism although the constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The Chinese
practice a variety of religions, however, Confucianism; despite not being a formal
religion is practiced widely throughout the country.
China is the most densely populated county in the world with approximately 1.17
billion people as of 1992. Almost 100 percent of the population are ethnic or Han
Chinese. There are strict rules regarding childbirth and each couple is limited to only
one child.
Appearance
Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who
display too much.
Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
Casual dress should be conservative as well.
Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.
Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
Behavior
Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may
be distracting to your host.
Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in
public.
Do not point when speaking.
To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.
It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.
Avoid acts that involve the mouth.
Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China - See international business gift giving.
It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the
business world.
It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.
The most acceptable gift is a banquet.
Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.
The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:
 Clocks
 Straw sandals
 A stork or crane
 Handkerchiefs
 Anything white, blue or black
Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.
Do not discuss business at meals.
Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.
As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.
Sample meals only, there may be several courses.
Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl
your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.
Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.
Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive
enough food and are still hungry.
Women do not usually drink at meals.
Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.
Communications
Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the
Chinese to offer their hand first.
Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.
Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.
Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.
Being on time is vital in China.
Appointments are a must for business.

Contacts should be made prior to your trip.
Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.
The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.
Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.
Present and receive cards with both hands.
Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.
The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese
value rank and status.
Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.
Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.

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Dimensions of Corporate

1. Leadership – does the company have strong visionary leadership or is it more of

A Communist form of government rules China. The Chinese government promotes

Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.

Casual dress should be conservative as well.

Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.

Do not point when speaking.

It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.

Avoid acts that involve the mouth.

The most acceptable gift is a banquet.

Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.

Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.

Do not discuss business at meals.

Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.

Sample meals only, there may be several courses.

Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.

Women do not usually drink at meals.

Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.

Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.

Introductions are formal. Use formal titles.

Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.

Being on time is vital in China.

Appointments are a must for business.

Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.

Present and receive cards with both hands.

Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.

Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.

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