Summary of Cultural difference in business | Valerie Hoeks | TEDxHaarlem

00:00:00 - 00:10:00

This talk discusses the cultural differences between Western and Chinese business cultures. The speaker explains how the Chinese value relationships and Guanxi over materialism. She also discusses how Confucius' philosophy affects Chinese business culture.

• 00:00:00 This talk discusses the cultural differences between Western and Chinese business cultures. The speaker discusses how the Chinese value relationships and Guanxi over materialism. She also discusses how Confucius' philosophy affects Chinese business culture.
• 00:05:00 The speaker explains that Guanxi - or "favors" - is a culture in which people always try to repay debts, even if that means visiting one's teacher every Sunday for tea. She compares this to the way the Chinese view Balance, Harmony, and Face. Although the Chinese are often seen as lazy, this is not always the case. The speaker also explains that, in China, making a mistake in public is one of the most humiliating things a person can do.
• 00:10:00 This TEDxHaarlem speaker discusses the importance of cultural difference in business, specifically how important it is to maintain face in a relationship. She shares an anecdote of how a Dutch client signed a contract with their Chinese local partner, only to have the Dutch client leave to go back home one day. Mr. Fan, the Chinese local partner, turned to the speaker and speaker's Dutch partner for help, as he was worried about the Dutch client's reaction. The speaker and Dutch partner were happy to help Mr. Fan out, as it would have been a shame for the long-term relationship to be ruined. Together, they were able to find another investor and close the gap with the Dutch client, preserving face and the business.