Cultural Values China vs. the USA

China

USA

Society

Society

-The Chinese society focuses on the group collective.

-They believe success for a company results in family or team effort and are willing to sacrifice for the greater good.

-A Chinese person takes into consideration how their actions may affect a group as a whole. 

-The American society focuses on the individual, which has been a source of conflict with other cultures. 

-They believe success is a way for an individual to shine and individuality is praised.

-Americans think of themselves and their needs first and foremost which has contributed to their success and world power. 

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

China

USA

Social Structure

Social Structure

-Americans have flatter structures that are loose and informal.

-All workers at all levels have access to superiors. 

-In America it is common for all social levels to socialize and get to know each other. 

-Chinese respect those higher up in the structure, know where they fit in the structure and abide by the rules.

-Workers lower down the pay scale do not have direct contact with their superior and face severe punishment by speaking outside their regime.

-Hierarchy is important as China is a communist country. 

-The government has extreme control over the population and will censor information.

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

China

USA

Conversation

Conversation

-Chinese believe in thinking before you speak.

-It is known as showing respect for those higher in hierarchy.

-Their communication style is very indirect. 

-Conflict and confrontation are to be avoided at all costs as it is considered shameful.

-Americans believe in finding common ground by talking about age, income, marital status, and personal business. 

-They often speak before thinking, which could come across rude, and make people feel uncomfortable. 

-Communication in America does not avoid issues or confrontation, the truth must be spoken to make sure the point is proven. 

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

USA

China

Elderly

-China believes in treating the elderly in a respectful way both in business and social environments. 

-Several generations often live together in one household.

-The dead and ancestors are very important and honored, and respects are paid. 

-The USA believes that their children need to be raised to be independent.

-The elderly generation can live thousands of miles away and are often isolated from society.

-Even the workplace can come across ageist and celebrate the youth culture.

-Most Americans have immigrated and therefore are not aware of where their ancestors are laid to rest. 

Elderly

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

USA

China

Speech

-Chinese people do not use social media networks as they do not have access to them. 

-China heavily censors the media and has surveillance over the internet.

-They rarely allow information to reach the public unless it is considered important.

-Instagram, YouTube and Facebook are taken for granted in America. 

-Access to any information is considered a right.

-Corporate culture in America embraces transparency.

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

China

USA

Humility

-In Chinese culture, humility is admired.

-It is expected to downplay accomplishments. 

-To brag about success is seen as boastful.

-Americans aim to make it known about their successes.

-Achievements are bragged about on social media, and portray a certain lifestyle online. 

-Humility is regarded as a sign of weakness. 

Humility

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

China

USA

Business

-Americans believe in speed and efficiency in projects.

-Time is money, and deadlines are crucial.

-Fast decisions and the need for speed and instant gratification is how things are normally run in American business. 

-Chinese believe in fostering relationships before starting any project.

-Deadlines will be met when the time is correct.

-Slow decisions and accuracy are preferred in business, to secure better deals.

Business

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States

China

USA

Morals

-The American society is  very relaxed with their morals.

-It is not uncommon for people to date and get married very young.

-The Chinese society has high value for morals of their people.

-Marriage is not encouraged until one is in their later twenties and dating is frowned upon until young adulthood.

Morals

References:

10 cultural differences between the Chinese and Americans. (2019, July 18). Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://countrynavigator.com/blog/global-talent/cultural-differences-us-vs-china/

Graf, R. (2019, March 20). 13 Major Cultural Differences Between China and the United States. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/10-Major-Cultural-Differences---China-and-the-United-States